In a modern world...

In a modern world, reliable authoritys do exist, but only if the authority thinks only for the better of the world and the people in it. In Metamorphosis, Gregor's boss thinks only of the company, so when Gregor doesn't show up for work one day, he comes to Gregor's house to see why he is not there. If Gregor's boss cared not only for the company, but also for it's employees, then he would be a reliable "authority", however, he does not and he is concidered "unreliable." Reliability is based on the good for all, not just for one person or thing. A reliable authority works for the better of all things and punishes only when it is for the best. This kind of authority can exist if people can work together for the better of the world.