ACCA Strategic Professional · Strategic Business Leader · Qualities of leadership
At Brightwell Engineering, a junior design lead, Tomas, has no formal authority over the senior teams. They nonetheless follow his suggestions because they admire his integrity and want to be associated with him. Which type of power does Tomas mainly exercise?
Tomas exercises referent power. Others follow him because they admire his integrity and identify with him, not because of position, rewards, threats or specialist expertise. Since he has no formal authority, legitimate power cannot explain the behaviour, and no sanctions or benefits are mentioned.
- ACoercive power
- BReferent powerCorrect
- CLegitimate power
- DReward power
Explanation
Referent power arises from identification with and admiration of a person. Tomas lacks formal authority, so legitimate power is not the basis. There is no suggestion of threats or rewards, so coercive and reward power do not apply.
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