Discussion Prompt: Five Types of Power

For each type of power, provide an example of how a boss, parent or teacher you have encountered has used that type of power as described in the chapter. Try to describe each incident enough detail to allow your classmates to respond.

1. Coercive Power - the ability to administer punishment or to give negative reinforcements.

2. Reward power - rests on the ability to deliver something of value (reward) to others.

3. Legitimate power - resides in the position rather than in the person. Persons with legitimate power have the right to prescribe our behavior within specified parameters (for example, judges, police officers, teachers, and parents).

4. Expert power - is based on the person, not the position, in contrast to legitimate power. Experts are influential because they supply needed information and skills.

5. Referent power - is role model power. When people admire someone, they confer on the admired person the ability to influence their behavior.