Most Effective Form of Power
In Chapter 13, we have learned about Power. In section 3.1, there is a discussion regarding the 6 bases of power. Which type of power do you feel is most effective? Do you possess any of these powers? Please feel free to draw from outside of the business world if you would like.
There are six different types of power to include legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, information power, and referent power. Upon studying the lesson from Chapter 13, I believed the most effective type of power is referent power, “the ability to attract others, win their admiration, and hold them spellbound” (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Unfortunately, I was studying the material as if each individual only holds one type of power. Throughout my research on this topic, I came across an article by Harold Fuqua, Jr., Kay Payne, and Joseph Cangemi who state, “an effective leader rarely depends on only one source or base of power” (n.d.). With this, I discovered the most effective type of power is actually a combination of expert, reward, and referent power.
Based on my personal experiences, I have come to the following conclusions regarding the three different types of power that are the most effective when combined.
Expert power is “power that comes from knowledge and skill” (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Expert power is important because those who look up to you “will be dependent on your wisdom and knowledge to help them succeed” (Exforsys Inc., 2006). In addition, people must not only believe it but must see it so it is imperative for a leader to ensure their “actions speak louder than their words” (Exforsys Inc., 2006). I personally find this to be true. In the legal field, expert witnesses are used during courts to testify as to validity of certain evidence. Past experience working with the panel members (equivalent to civilian jury) shows they put more credibility into an expert witness who speaks in terms of science verse an expert
There are six different types of power to include legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, information power, and referent power. Upon studying the lesson from Chapter 13, I believed the most effective type of power is referent power, “the ability to attract others, win their admiration, and hold them spellbound” (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Unfortunately, I was studying the material as if each individual only holds one type of power. Throughout my research on this topic, I came across an article by Harold Fuqua, Jr., Kay Payne, and Joseph Cangemi who state, “an effective leader rarely depends on only one source or base of power” (n.d.). With this, I discovered the most effective type of power is actually a combination of expert, reward, and referent power.
Based on my personal experiences, I have come to the following conclusions regarding the three different types of power that are the most effective when combined.
Expert power is “power that comes from knowledge and skill” (Bauer & Erdogan, 2012). Expert power is important because those who look up to you “will be dependent on your wisdom and knowledge to help them succeed” (Exforsys Inc., 2006). In addition, people must not only believe it but must see it so it is imperative for a leader to ensure their “actions speak louder than their words” (Exforsys Inc., 2006). I personally find this to be true. In the legal field, expert witnesses are used during courts to testify as to validity of certain evidence. Past experience working with the panel members (equivalent to civilian jury) shows they put more credibility into an expert witness who speaks in terms of science verse an expert
References: Bauer, T., & Erdogan, B. (2012). Organizational behavior. (Version 1.1, Ch. 13). Irvington, NY: Flat World Knowledge Inc. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.apus.edu/login?url=http://ebooks.apus.edu/MGMT311/Bauer_Ch13-15.pdf Exforsys Inc. (2006). The importance of using expertise to lead. Retrieved from http://www.exforsys.com/career-center/leadership-skills/the-importance-of-using-expertise-to-lead.html Fuqua, Jr., H., Payne, K., & Cangemi, J. (n.d.). Leadership and the effective use of power. Informally published manuscript, Western Kentucky University, Retrieved from http://www.nationalforum.com/Electronic%20Journal%20Volumes/Fuqua,%20Jr.,%20Harold%20E.%20Leadership%20and%20the%20Effectives%20Use%20of%20Power.pdf Prudden, L. (n.d.). Reward and recognition. Retrieved from http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/arossett/pie/Interventions/incentivesrewards_1.htm