The Five Types of Leader Power

The Five Types of Leader Power

Sean P. Kelly

LDR/300

January 25, 2016

Pat Maldonado

The Five Types of Leader Power

Leadership can be defined as the ability to guide, lead, give direction or even influence others. It can also be defined as the process of socially influencing people in a positive direction or objective. Leadership is the organization of groups of people to achieve a common goal. It could still be defined as the art of influencing people to perform assigned tasks willingly, efficiently and effectively. Empowering people to feel they have an input in how they complete something which will result in increased levels of contentment and improved productivity.

There are different perceptions about leadership such as intelligence and eloquence, but real leadership is neither about making great speeches nor being liked but is defined by results and not the attributes of a person. Leadership is an elusive quality. When it is present, it is widely recognized. When it is absent, its absence is equally known. But one thing seems certain: leadership is the ability of one human being to stir the sentiments and influence the behavior of others. According to Gitlow (2005), “Influence is an inherent source of power, the power to direct other people toward the achievement of leader’s goal by transmuting those goals into the aims of everyone.”  

One of the most notable studies according to “MindTools” (2005), “on power was conducted by social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven, in 1959.” They identified five bases of power listed below:

Legitimate power – This type of power incorporates the ability to direct to another particular feelings of responsibility or the idea of duty.  According to Daft (2011), "Rewarding and Punishing subordinates is seen as a legitimate part of the formal or appointed leadership role, and most managerial positions in work organizations carry with them, some degree of expected reward and punishment." People will usually follow the person with this power only based upon their role, position or title rather than the person as a leader. Therefore, this type of authority fails once the leader loses the position or title.

Reward power – this power involves having the ability to grant or remove things a person desires.  This type of power is based on the idea that as a society we are prone to do things when we receive a reward.  The most popular forms of rewards are to offer raises, promotions, and simply compliments. The problem with this according to “MindTools” (2005), is that "when you use up available rewards, or the rewards don't have enough perceived value to others, your power weakens.  In Group Dynamics Forsyth noted that Raven categorized rewards as either impersonal or personal. Forsyth described this distinction as: "Impersonal rewards are material resources, such as food, shelter, protection, promotion, wages, and awards. Personal rewards are positive interpersonal reinforcements, such as verbal approbation, compliments, smiles, and promises of liking or acceptance."

Coercive power - This power is based upon the idea of coercion. The thought behind this concept is that a person is obligated to do something that he/she does not want to do. The principal objective of coercion is compliance. According to “Changingminds” (2014), "demonstrations of harm are often used to illustrate what will happen if compliance is not gained". The power of coercion has been related to punitive behavior that may changes a person normal behavior patterns and role expectations. This source of power can often lead to problems when used incorrectly and in many circumstances this power is abused by the leader.

Expert power – this power is the capability to dispense information, knowledge or expertise to other people. As a result of the expert power, a leader can sway his subordinates to trust him. This expertise may not be genuine - it is the perception of expertise that provides the power base. When individuals believe or think that a person possesses superior skills or abilities, they give power to that person.

Referent power - The power of having the ability to administer a sense of personal approval over another person. This type of power is so strong that the holder is often admired as a role model.  The responsibility associated with this power is immense and the power can be swiftly lost, but combined with other forms of power it can be very useful.  Referent power is present in most political and military figures, although some celebrities possess this attribute as well.

Leadership has the importance to an organization and the society as a whole. Its fruits are evident in our society. The importance of good leadership is the ability to interpret future events, create alignment on objectives of the organization.  Leaders build trust and obtain the necessary resources and support to develop and empower people to promote social justice and morality.  

References

Gitlow, A. L. (2005). Being the boss, the importance of leadership and power. Portland, Oregon:

Ringgold Inc.

Daft, R. (2011). The Leadership Experience, (5th ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson Southwestern.

MindTools. (2005). Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com

Changingminds. (2014). Retrieved from http://http: www.ChangingMinds.org