Types of Power

Social Power Model

French and Raven

Ed.D. 710-720 Summer 2006

REWARD POWER: The capacity to provide rewards, such as higher salary or better assignments

1. The strengths of the power increases with the magnitude of the rewards the person perceives can be obtained
2. The strength of the power depends on the actual rewards produced
3. Unsuccessful attempts to exert reward power will tend to decrease the perceived strength of that power in the future

2. COERCIVE POWER: the capacity to provide punishment or negative consequences
1. The strengths of the power increases with the magnitude of the punishment the person perceives can be applied
2. The strength of the power depends on the actual punishment produced
3. Unsuccessful attempts to exert coercive power will tend to decrease the perceived strength of that power in the future

3. LEGITIMATE POWER: defined as “legitimate authority”
1. The successful use of this power will depend on the willingness of the subordinate to comply with the expectations
2. Power has been granted by an outside source

4. REFERENT POWER: the tendency of others to closely identify with or be attracted to the “leader”: “You have believed in me in the past, and I ask that you trust in me now.”
1. The greater the perceived attractiveness, the more likely the identification with the leader
2. The stronger the actual identification, the grater the likelihood that referent power can be used

5. EXPERT POWER: power based on special knowledge or skill
1. Strength will vary with the actual knowledge or skill and with the perceived expertise
2. The stronger the perception of expertise, the higher will be the group’s satisfaction and evaluation of leadership

AUTHORITY= POWER CONFERRED: a right granted to make decisions within limitations

What legitimizes authority?

-Structure (higher up or legal authority)

-Tradition

-Earned or perceived as being deserved ( p. 51).