2. Overview of the Five Bases of Power (E.H.)

The five bases of power can all be validated using different types of tests.

Coercive power is tested by managers all the time. Coercive power is said to be the ability of a manager to force an employee to obey an order because of the possibility of punishment. It typically leads to compliance at first, but in the long-run, it usually produces flawed behavior. Even something little like not being allowed on your cell phone in the work place is a test of coercive power. Some employees comply with these rules simply because they have a fear of being “written up.”

People love benefits. Many managers get their employees to follow through with certain objectives through the use of reward power. You have probably noticed a family member or friend have an office party, or maybe a holiday party at their job. Usually this is rewarded for the company doing something well and is offered by the head of the work place. Rewards do not always need to be financial. Sometimes an employee can be rewarded with preferred work shifts.

Legitimate power is a little different from coercive and reward power. It is also tested differently, as well. It is merely the right to give orders based on your position in the organizational hierarchy. You can find this kind of power in every kind of work place, even on a professional sports team. For example, the star player of your team may act a little cocky around the rest of the players and coaches, but if the President of the team walks into the locker room or into practice, you may notice a change in his attitude and respect for his peers.

Expert power is always nice to have. If your employees are award of how much knowledge you have on certain topic, they will have much more respect for you and want to learn from you. For instance, in an automation department of a local library, the head of automation is going to know just about everything there is to know. The computer technicians that he has working under him may like to come to him for help every once in a while.

Leading by example can give you referent power. A manager can gain this kind of power by just having their employees like them, or wanting to please them. You may even find instances in which an employee who is not in a position of leadership will gain referent power because they have that certain charisma that can get them to influence us.