Which type of power is NOT considered legitimate?

Which type of power is NOT considered legitimate?

• A. Power derived from an official position
• B. Influence exerted through coercion
• C. Authority given by social agreements
• D. Power based on expertise and knowledge

Answer: (B)

Legitimate power is typically associated with an individual's official position or role in an organization, often derived from a formal authority that is recognized by others. This form of power is socially accepted and granted to individuals based on the roles they occupy, such as a manager, team leader, or executive. The correct answer highlights that influence exerted through coercion does not stem from a legitimate source. Coercive power relies on the ability to punish or threaten individuals to gain compliance, which does not align with the social norms or accepted structures that define legitimate power. Instead of being based on a recognized authority or expertise, coercive power generates compliance through fear rather than respect or agreement, thus making it an illegitimate form of influence in a business or social context. In contrast, the other types of power listed are rooted in recognized systems and structures; they either derive from someone's official role, are supported by agreement within a group, or arise from an individual's expertise and knowledge. These forms of power are seen as legitimate because they comply with accepted norms and expectations within organizations.

Legitimate power is typically associated with an individual's official position or role in an organization, often derived from a formal authority that is recognized by others. This form of power is socially accepted and granted to individuals based on the roles they occupy, such as a manager, team leader, or executive.

The correct answer highlights that influence exerted through coercion does not stem from a legitimate source. Coercive power relies on the ability to punish or threaten individuals to gain compliance, which does not align with the social norms or accepted structures that define legitimate power. Instead of being based on a recognized authority or expertise, coercive power generates compliance through fear rather than respect or agreement, thus making it an illegitimate form of influence in a business or social context.

In contrast, the other types of power listed are rooted in recognized systems and structures; they either derive from someone's official role, are supported by agreement within a group, or arise from an individual's expertise and knowledge. These forms of power are seen as legitimate because they comply with accepted norms and expectations within organizations.