Types of Power
Power Definition
1. Ability to cause or prevent an action, make things happen; the discretion to act or not act. Opposite of disability, it differs from a right in that it has no accompanying duties.
2. Law: (1) An instrument transferring or vesting legal authorization. (2) The ability conferred on a person by law to determine and alter (by his or her own will) the rights, duties, liabilities, and other legal relations, of himself or others.
Types of Power
In any organization, management and leadership comes with a certain level of power. There are five main types of power in business: coercive, expert, legitimate, referent and reward. Many leaders use just one type of power, but the most effective way to use these powers is to implement a balanced combination of the positive types.
Coercive
Coercive power is gained through the fear of employees. A coercive leader uses threats and punishments to coerce his employees to carry out tasks. The type of threats a coercive leader uses includes demotion, denied privileges, poor performance reviews, and termination. While coercive power may be effective, at least temporarily, this type of power is typically unhealthy and inappropriate. It commonly results in fearful staff, an uncomfortable work environment, low morale, and high employee turnover rates.
Expert
Expert power is gained through a leader’s particular knowledge, experience and skills. An expert leader uses her expertise, credibility, decisiveness and confidence to solve challenging problems, help employees stay on track with tasks, and lead employees to success. Expert power is beneficial for building a positive reputation, regardless of title or position in the company. Credibility is an important part of expert power, and employees will not follow an expert leader who doesn't have it.
Legitimate
Legitimate power is gained by holding a place of power in the organization. A legitimate leader uses his position in the organizational structure and social
1. Ability to cause or prevent an action, make things happen; the discretion to act or not act. Opposite of disability, it differs from a right in that it has no accompanying duties.
2. Law: (1) An instrument transferring or vesting legal authorization. (2) The ability conferred on a person by law to determine and alter (by his or her own will) the rights, duties, liabilities, and other legal relations, of himself or others.
Types of Power
In any organization, management and leadership comes with a certain level of power. There are five main types of power in business: coercive, expert, legitimate, referent and reward. Many leaders use just one type of power, but the most effective way to use these powers is to implement a balanced combination of the positive types.
Coercive
Coercive power is gained through the fear of employees. A coercive leader uses threats and punishments to coerce his employees to carry out tasks. The type of threats a coercive leader uses includes demotion, denied privileges, poor performance reviews, and termination. While coercive power may be effective, at least temporarily, this type of power is typically unhealthy and inappropriate. It commonly results in fearful staff, an uncomfortable work environment, low morale, and high employee turnover rates.
Expert
Expert power is gained through a leader’s particular knowledge, experience and skills. An expert leader uses her expertise, credibility, decisiveness and confidence to solve challenging problems, help employees stay on track with tasks, and lead employees to success. Expert power is beneficial for building a positive reputation, regardless of title or position in the company. Credibility is an important part of expert power, and employees will not follow an expert leader who doesn't have it.
Legitimate
Legitimate power is gained by holding a place of power in the organization. A legitimate leader uses his position in the organizational structure and social