Bases Of The Power.

 

We distinguish between two main bases of power. 

Formal power is further divided into:

1. Coercive power.

2. Reward power.

3. Legitimate power.

Personal power 

1. Expert power.

2. Referent power.

 

Formal Power

Formal power is based on an individual’s position in an organization. It can come from the ability to coerce or reward, or from formal authority.

 

Coercive Power

The coercive power base depend on fear of the negative results from failing to comply. It rests on the application, or the threat of application, of physical sanctions such as the infliction of pain, frustration through restriction of movement, or the controlling by force of basic physiological or safety needs. Coercive power can also come from withholding key information. People in an organization who have data or knowledge others need can make those others dependent on them.

 

Reward Power

The opposite of coercive power is reward power, with which people comply because it produces positive benefits; someone who can distribute rewards others view as valuable will have power over them. These rewards can be either financial -such as controlling pay rates, raises and bonuses -or nonfinancial, including recognition, promotions, interesting work assignments, friendly colleagues and preferred work shifts or sales territories.

 

Legitimate Power

In formal groups and organizations, probably the most common access to one or more of the power bases is through legitimate power. It represents the formal authority to control and use organizational resources based on structural position in the organization. Legitimate power is broader than the power to coerce and reward. Specifically, it includes members’ acceptance of the authority of a position.

 

Personal Power

Many of the most competent and productive chip designers at Intel have power but they are not managers and have no formal power. What they have is personal power, which comes from an individual’s unique characteristics. There are two bases of personal power: expertise and the respect and admiration of others.

 

Expert Power

Expert power is influence wielded as a result of expertise, special skill or knowledge. As jobs become more specialized, we become increasingly dependent on experts to achieve goals. Most of us follow our doctor’s advice. Computer specialists, tax accountants, economists, industrial psychologists and other specialists wield power as a result of their expertise.

 

Referent Power

Referent power is based on identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits. If I like, respect and admire you, you can exercise power over me because I want to please you. Referent power develops out of admiration of another and desire to be like that person. It helps explain, for instance, why celebrities are paid millions of dollars to endorse products in commercials.