The five bases of power, developed by social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven in 1959, describe different ways in which individuals can exert influence over others. These bases are often used to understand leadership and authority dynamics within organizations. Here’s an overview of each type:
- Legitimate Power:
This is the formal authority granted to an individual due to their position or role in an organization. People comply because they believe the person has the right to make demands, and they expect certain responsibilities to be fulfilled.- Example: A manager who has authority over their employees by virtue of their job title.
- Reward Power:
This power comes from the ability to give rewards or benefits to others. People are motivated to comply in order to receive positive rewards, which can be tangible (like bonuses) or intangible (like praise).- Example: A team leader who can give bonuses or promotions for good performance.
- Coercive Power:
Coercive power stems from the ability to punish or penalize others for noncompliance. People often follow directives out of fear of negative consequences, such as demotions, pay cuts, or other disciplinary actions.- Example: A supervisor who threatens disciplinary action if an employee does not meet performance targets.
- Expert Power:
Expert power arises from an individual’s knowledge, skills, or expertise in a specific area. Others comply because they perceive the person as having valuable insights or abilities that are important.- Example: A specialist in data analysis who has technical expertise that others rely on to make informed decisions.
- Referent Power:
This type of power is based on the personal characteristics or relationships that inspire others to respect, admire, or identify with the individual. People comply because they want to be associated with the person or their values.- Example: A charismatic leader who people admire and want to follow due to their personal appeal or vision.
These five bases of power help explain how individuals and leaders influence the behavior and attitudes of others in various settings.
