Leaders use different types of power to get others to follow them. Some forms of power result from a formalized position in the organization, while others derive from personal characteristics or knowledge. This activity is important because influencing others as a manager or leader depends upon your ability to use power appropriately.

The goal of this activity is to challenge your knowledge of the six sources of power.

Select the source of power that each description best exemplifies.

Referent power

Expert power

Legitimate power

Coercive power

Reward power

Informational power

Match each of the options above to the items below.

Samantha gets her employees to do their work by offering something valuable in exchange.

Jiro often uses threats to get his staff to achieve desired results.

Lina worked her way up the ladder and was eventually made President of the International Division. This established her formal position of authority in the organization.

Everyone voted for Julian to lead the team because of his extensive knowledge of the processes they would be using to complete their upcoming project.

There's something charismatic about Zoe that makes others want to work with her and follow her guidance.

Ridley always seems to be clued in about what is going on in the organization. When other employees are concerned that a big change is coming that may affect them, they go to Ridley to get the latest scoop.