A challenge new company officers will have to learn is how much _____ is legitimately assigned to the position.

The focus of the question is on understanding the scope of responsibility and decision-making power that a new company officer possesses. Authority is a key element in this context, as it defines the level of power a person has to make decisions, lead teams, and implement strategies within an organization.

By learning how much authority is legitimately assigned to their position, new officers can better navigate their roles, understand their limitations and responsibilities, and effectively lead their teams. This comprehension is crucial for establishing trust and respect among colleagues and subordinates, ensuring that they operate within their designated boundaries while also empowering them to take initiative where appropriate.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly address the central theme of understanding positional power. Ethics relates to moral principles and standards, arrogance pertains to an inflated sense of one's own importance, and competition refers to rivalries between companies or individuals in a market. These concepts may influence an officer’s behavior or the dynamics within an organization, but they do not specifically pertain to the clear understanding of authoritative power in a role.