Reference no: EM131228641

Power and Its Sources French and Raven's five bases of power help explain how people attain power and how they are able to influence others. Power is generally defined as a person's ability to influence people, behaviors, and situations. A person who has power is often called the influencing agent, and the person or situation that is influenced is called the target. Although all influencing agents use power to influence targets, not all influencing agents get their power from the same sources. French and Raven's model states that power comes in five forms: coercive power, reward power, legitimate power, referent power, and expert power. Coercive Power Coercive power comes from a person's ability to punish someone else if expectations are not met. An example of coercive power in the workplace would be a manager who has the ability to reprimand an employee. Threats of punishment, such as firing, are coercive in nature. A different example of coercive power is the threat of rejection by another person or by a group. Reward Power Reward power is almost the opposite of coercive power. This power comes from a person's ability to offer others rewards for doing what he or she wants them to do. Examples of rewards in the workplace might include pay increases or promotions. A different type of reward power comes from the offer of acceptance by another person or group. Legitimate Power Legitimate power mostly comes from social norms. This type of power has to do with a person's title, rank, or standing in society. Legitimate power is based on the idea that people are expected to obey others who hold dominant social positions. An example of legitimate power is when a low-ranking military officer obeys the commands of a superior officer. Referent Power Referent power is based on a person's personality, charm, or appeal. Celebrities sometimes have referent power. They can influence people to support certain causes or purchase certain products. Expert Power People who have extensive knowledge or skill have expert power. Individuals who have expert power are trusted, and their opinions, ideas, and suggestions about certain topics will be favored over others'. An example of a person who has expert power is a manager who has been in an industry for a long time.

From the above article please answer the two question.

What is your primary form of power you tend to use most frequently? How is power different from politics?

Provide an example of how you have used the different 5 forms of power or heard or seen someone else using them. Were these forms of power used appropriately considering the situation you described? Please explain why or why not?