Leading With Influence The 6 Power Bases

Summary

The video script discusses the six power bases identified by French and Raven: reward, coercion, legitimate, expert, referent, and informational power. It emphasizes that while legitimate and coercive power can lead to compliance, they often fail to inspire commitment. Expert and referent power, on the other hand, are more effective in achieving commitment as they are based on knowledge and trust. The script illustrates this with a military example, showing how overreliance on legitimate and coercive power can lead to ineffective outcomes.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses a research study by French and Raven, which identifies six power bases: reward, coercion, legitimate, expert, referent, and informational power.
• 🎖 Reward power is the ability to give, while coercion power is the ability to take away, both of which can be used to influence others.
• 👨‍🏫 Expert power stems from knowledge and expertise, which can lead to compliance or resistance depending on its application.
• 🏢 Legitimate power is the authority granted to an individual or entity, which can result in compliance but not necessarily commitment.
• 🤝 Referent power is based on personal relationships and the trust that an individual has in another's ability to care for them.
• 💡 Informational power involves sharing insights and knowledge, which can be influential in decision-making processes.
• 🔄 The script highlights that relying solely on legitimate and coercive power can lead to resistance or minimal compliance, rather than full commitment.
• 👀 A real-life example is provided where an individual's overuse of legitimate and coercive power led to ineffective outcomes and increased frustration.
• 🤔 The narrative suggests that expert and referent power are more likely to achieve commitment from others, as they are based on trust, competence, and care.
• 💼 The script emphasizes the importance of understanding and effectively using different power bases to achieve successful organizational outcomes.

Q & A

What are the six power bases mentioned in the research study by French and Raven?

The six power bases mentioned are reward, coercion, legitimate power, expert power, referent power, and informational power.

What is the difference between reward and coercion power bases?

Reward power is the ability to give something of value, while coercion power is the ability to take something away or impose negative consequences.

How is expert power defined in the context of French and Raven's study?

Expert power is based on an individual's knowledge or expertise in a particular area, which others recognize and respect.

What does referent power involve and why is it significant?

Referent power involves the influence an individual has because others admire or identify with them. It is significant because it can lead to voluntary compliance and commitment.

Why might legitimate power not always lead to effective outcomes?

Legitimate power might not lead to effective outcomes because it can result in compliance without commitment, and individuals may only do the minimum required, ignoring implied expectations.

What is informational power and how does it influence others?

Informational power is the ability to control or influence others through access to and the sharing of critical information. It can influence decision-making and actions.

Can you provide an example from the script where legitimate power was misused?

In the script, an example is given of a military officer who used legitimate and coercion power excessively, leading to resistance and ineffective outcomes as individuals only complied with explicitly stated orders and ignored implied ones.

What are the three major outcomes associated with the use of power as per the script?

The three major outcomes are resistance, compliance, and commitment. These outcomes vary depending on the power base employed.

How does expert power lead to commitment according to the script?

Expert power leads to commitment because individuals see the deep understanding and competence of the person wielding the power, leading them to trust and follow their guidance.

What is the role of referent power in achieving commitment?

Referent power plays a role in achieving commitment when individuals feel a personal connection or admiration for the person influencing them, leading them to willingly follow their lead.

Why is it important to understand the different power bases in organizational settings?

Understanding different power bases is important in organizational settings because it helps leaders and managers to effectively influence and motivate their teams, leading to better outcomes and organizational success.