Power (social and political)
Power (social and political)
Power in a social and political context is the capacity of an individual or group to influence the conduct (behavior) of others. The term "authority" is often used for power that is perceived as legitimate by the social structure.
Pronunciation
- /ˈpaʊər/
Etymology
The word "power" comes from the Old French poeir, derived from the Latin potis meaning "to be able".
Types of Power
Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings. In the corporate environment, power is often expressed as upward or downward. With downward power, a company's superior influences subordinates. When a company exerts upward power, it is the subordinates who influence the decisions of their leader or leaders.
Legitimate Power
Also known as rational-legal power, legitimate power is that power which is vested in a specific role or office and is recognized by the people over whom that power is exercised.
Referent Power
Referent power is the power or ability of individuals to attract others and build loyalty. It is based on the charisma and interpersonal skills of the power holder.
Expert Power
Expert power is an individual's power deriving from the skills or expertise they possess and the organization's needs for those skills and expertise.
Related Terms
See Also
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