PMI PMP Project Management

Answer: b - Legitimate power is typically conferred to you by your role and responsibility in the organization. It means that your position in the chain of command gives you the right to tell people what to do.

You have expert power when people respect you and are willing to do what you say because you are considered knowledgeable on the topic or task.

Reward or incentive based power is when you can align someone’s motives with something they want (money, promotion, respect, Red Sox tickets, etc.)

You are using referent power when your power comes through an association with someone else (“I don’t know what her title is, but I saw her playing golf with the CEO and eating dim sum, so we’d better do what she says.”

You have punishment power when you can discipline someone for not doing what you say. Managers generally have this but prefer not to use it.

Key Takeaway: A wise man once said, “Power is having control or influence over a situation. Leadership means being able to get someone to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do.” Okay, a wise man didn’t say that, just someone giving a talk to a group of MBAs.