The Different Types of Power

The different Types of Power

In matters of business, managers and leaders have the task of exhibiting some level of power. Depending on the type of individual, this power can be displayed in different manners. Despite popular belief, power can be displayed in many different variations and forms. Below are five examples of power:

Coercive Power

Coercive power is when leadership threatens employees with some type of punishment if duties or activities are not completed. It is the most primitive exhibition of power in the workplace. It is the type of power most popular in times of crisis or conflict management. It is also the most effective in times of mergers and acquisitions.

Legitimate Power

Legitimate power is when employees comply with orders given due to the belief that their power matches their position. In other words, they believe that the manager or leader has the “legitimate” right to exercise that level of authority. Legitimate power only works when the chain of command and hierarchy has been clearly defined.

Reward Power

Reward power is the most popular type of power exercised at the operations level. The name is almost self-exclamatory. It is the use of “rewards” to motivate employees or subordinates into increasing productivity or performance. At its core, reward power seeks to tap into the human desire to be recognized for a job well done.

Referent Power

This type of power is gained from the admiration of employees or subordinates in the workplace. Leaders who exhibit this type of power, have been successful with creating interpersonal relations with their subordinates. Under this type of leadership, retention is high and company loyalty is solid.

Expert Power

Out of all five, this type of power is the most infamous amongst introverts. Once again, the name implies the basis for this type of power. Expert power implies that subordinates will follow their leader because they believe in their level of expertise. It is the belief that the authority figure is the expert in the industry and has the ability to lead them well.

In conclusion, leadership only works if the leader understands the manner by which they lead. Understanding your type of power, can only help you lead your subordinates to better versions of themselves.