Power Bases: Uses and Actions1. Legitimate power Nature and uses:

Authority based on formal position. Appropriate use: to ask people to do something that is within the scope of their job..

Actions to use: Gain people’s perception that you do have power & exercise your authority regularly Follow guidelines for the legitimization influencing tactic if your authority is questioned Make polite, clear requests and explain the reasons Don’t exceed the scope of authority; verify if necessary; follow proper channels Follow up to verify compliance and insist on compliance if appropriate

2. Reward powerNature and uses:

Ability to influence others with offering something of value to them…affects performance expectations and achievement

Appropriate use: exchange favors as a reward, especially important with peersActions to use:

Gain and maintain control over evaluating performance and determining rewards Find out what others value and try to reward that way (offer the type of rewards people desire) Explain the criteria for giving rewards, don’t promise more than you can deliver Provide rewards as promised if requirements are met

3. Coercive powerNature and uses:

Ability of punishment and withholding of rewards to influence compliance Appropriate use: to maintain discipline and enforce rules, when requests not willingly complied

Actions to use: Gain authority to reward and withhold rewards Explain rules and requirements, and ensure that people understand the serious consequences of violation Don’t make rash threats; investigate to get facts and don’t jump to conclusions Provide sufficient oral and written warnings, use punishment that are legitimate

4. Referent powerNature and uses:

Based on personal relationship with others Appropriate use: for people with weak position power such as peers…needed in self-managed teams

Actions to use: Develop people skills and work at your relationship with peers and managers Use personal appeal and ingratiation influencing tactics

5. Expert powerNature and uses:

Based on skills and knowledge Appropriate use: to influence seniors, necessary for working with people from other departments

Actions to use: Train and develop yourself and let people know about your expertise Project a positive self concept

6. Information powerNature and uses:

Based on data desired by others, involves access to vital information Appropriate use: to influence others dependent on information

Actions to use: Have information flow through you, develop a network of information sources, and gather information Know what is going in the organization