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Questions and Answers
Which type of power arises from one's specialized knowledge, experience, skill, or position?
A doctor's influence over their patients is an example of which type of power?
Which type of power allows a leader to influence others by controlling the distribution of rewards?
Which type of power is based on the target's desire to identify with the influencing agent?
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Which type of power allows a leader to influence others by threatening punishment or negative consequences?
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Which type of power is based on a leader's charisma and the desire of followers to emulate them?
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What is the primary source of compliance for individuals with legitimate power?
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Which type of power is considered the least effective compared to other forms of power?
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Which type of power involves providing tangible rewards to encourage desired behaviors or results?
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Which type of power is derived from the authority granted to those who occupy formal roles in an organization?
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Study Notes
Leading
Leading refers to taking charge of a group of people toward achieving planned goals through organizing, directing, motivating, and coordinating the efforts of others. This concept is often associated with positions of authority such as supervisors, managers, executives, and entrepreneurs. However, leading can also refer to any effort to guide children, peers, friends, family members, clients, customers, and even strangers.
There is a significant amount of literature available on effective leadership and what makes a good leader. Some sources suggest that being a good leader means understanding how to delegate tasks effectively, making decisions when necessary, and having excellent communication skills. Others argue that leaders are effective only if they have strong emotional intelligence. Yet another perspective emphasizes adaptability, influencing without authority, and building trust among team members.
Sources of Power
To understand leading effectively, it's essential to recognize where power comes from. In the context of leadership, there are five primary sources of power:
Expert Power
Expert power arises from one person's specialized knowledge, experience, skill, or position and allows them to influence the behavior of others. For example, a doctor has expert power over patients because of their medical expertise. Similarly, an experienced architect possesses considerable expert power within their profession.
Referent Power
Referent power is based on someone else's respect, admiration, feelings, or attraction to another individual. It originates from the relationship between two individuals and is most commonly used by charismatic leaders. People follow a leader with referent power because they identify with or want to emulate them.
Legitimate Power
Legitimate power refers to the rights or privileges granted to a specific position. It derives from the authority given to those who occupy formal roles, such as parents, teachers, bosses, judges, politicians, police officers, and military commanders. Those with legitimate power gain compliance simply because others perceive their role as requiring obedience and cooperation.
Reward Power
Reward power involves providing tangible rewards, such as bonuses, promotions, praise, recognition, or status in exchange for desired behaviors or results. A leader may use reward power to encourage employees to work harder or improve their performance.
Coercive Power
Coercive power relies on threats, punishment, revenge, embarrassment, or ostracism to force compliance. While it seems straightforward in theory, coercion carries ethical concerns and is generally considered less effective compared to other forms of power.
Understanding these sources of power can help individuals become more effective leaders by identifying which types are most suitable for their situation and audience. Moreover, it enables followers to better comprehend why certain leaders exhibit particular behaviors.
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Description
Test your knowledge on leading and the sources of power in leadership. Explore concepts like expert power, referent power, legitimate power, reward power, and coercive power, and understand how they influence leadership effectiveness.
