power within groups

Question 1

what are the 5 power bases

Answer 1

legitimate
expert
referent
rewards
coercive

Question 2

whats legitimate power?

Answer 2

Comes with a designated position, usually voted by community members or governing body.
 Power due to position (suitable), which comes from skills
and talents.
 Group members generally show a lot of respect to those
who have legitimate power.
- School prefects, teacher, local member for parliament,
Governor-General.

Question 3

whats reward power base?

Answer 3

The leader is able to give merit/award. Given recognition
for their good work.
 The leader may take away something that members
desire.
 Gifts, incentives, compensation.
 Usually well liked.
- Could be used for a teacher who gives tokens, or a boss who
gives a pay increase for extra work.

Question 4

whats coercive power?

Answer 4

From the ability of a leader to give or take away privileges or
rights. This can be used in either a positive or negative way.
 Actions of pressure and intimidation.
 Feelings of fear and threat.
 Often these leaders are disliked.
- A parent who threatens to ground their children if they
misbehave

Question 5

whats referent power?

Answer 5

Power comes from followers of an individual’s looks or
attributes.
 Such power often encourages followers to strive to look like
or copy the leader.
 Leader tries to connect with group to build effective
relationship.
 Members have familiarity with leader and want to be
accepted/praised for actions.
- In social media when individuals ‘follow’ or ‘like’ others

Question 6

whats expert power?

Answer 6

Powers comes from knowledge or expertise of an
individual in a given field. Group members may look up to
the leader for guidance because they hold the leader’s
knowledge in high regard.
- A teacher may be an expert in the class