Lesson 11: Power and Politics
1. Power
4 bases of power
1. legitimate power: the formal authority to control and use resources based on
a person’s formal role and position in the formal hierarchy
2. coercive power: the ability to control others through the fear of loss of valued
outcomes or the fear of punishment
3. reward power: compliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards
that others view as valuable
4. personal power: comes from the individual’s personality, competencies or
activities, and the attitude of followers
a. exert power: influence based on special skills or knowledge
b. referent power: influence based on the follower’s loyalty and respect
towards the admired person
2. Definition Power
multidimensional definition
individual level: power to influence the behavior of individuals (sexual harassment)
group level: power to decide and power to exclude topics/questions/projects
group or societal level: power to influence a system or an ideology
Lesson 11 1/4
1. Power
4 bases of power
1. legitimate power: the formal authority to control and use resources based on
a person’s formal role and position in the formal hierarchy
2. coercive power: the ability to control others through the fear of loss of valued
outcomes or the fear of punishment
3. reward power: compliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards
that others view as valuable
4. personal power: comes from the individual’s personality, competencies or
activities, and the attitude of followers
a. exert power: influence based on special skills or knowledge
b. referent power: influence based on the follower’s loyalty and respect
towards the admired person
2. Definition Power
multidimensional definition
individual level: power to influence the behavior of individuals (sexual harassment)
group level: power to decide and power to exclude topics/questions/projects
group or societal level: power to influence a system or an ideology
Lesson 11 1/4
