The Five Sources of Power, Essay Example

Not unexpectedly, relationships exist between the five sources of power, and very much owing to the manners in which each form of power is exercised. Similarly, the strengths and weaknesses of each emphasize those qualities in the others.  For example, and somewhat obviously coercive and reward sources both function in what may be termed reactive ways; the reward, or the potential discipline from the coercive source, operate to some extent as incentives, but they are reliant upon the subordinate’s actions. The leader in both cases is “following” the course set by the subordinate and reacting to it in a way to encourage or discourage more of the same. This is then a weakness in both, as it removes the important element of initiative from the leader. Expert and legitimate power also share assets and weaknesses. Both exist on a platform of authority, even as the expert power may be only perceived by the subordinate and not genuinely expert (Spencer, 2012, p. 327). This authority adds gravity to the leadership, but both types reflect the weakness of expectation of compliance; that is, if the expertise is doubted or the legitimacy of the power is in any way questioned, the authority is lessened.  Lastly, while referent power has the benefit of personal connection, that same factor may undermine the authority.  Liked, the leader may take on an “equal” quality to the subordinate and lose real authority.

This said, one power source seems risky but, if I had to rely on only one, it would be that of expert. With expert power – and provided the expertise is valid – there is to me an automatic legitimacy attached. The subordinate, respecting the expertise, creates it. Then, there is no reason why this source should not incorporate its own versions of reward, coercion, and referent power within it, depending on the leader’s expert authority and presence.  Put another way, expert power seems most suited to actually allow for applying these other processes, and mainly because the respect attached to expertise is so strong a platform.

References

Spector, P. E. (2012). Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Research and Practice (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.