Types of Power
Coercive power
is based on more of a threat to gain compliance from someone. This means
taking away a reward or something like that. Usually, this is used when they are not performing
properly. In the case of Sharon, she threatened employees with terminations if they did not meet
the compliance which was their quota. (McCord, 2014 ).
If they did not improve, their
performance was going to improve then they would be faced with the consequences. Which is
what Alice is currently faced with.
This is more of a formal power. This is usually referred to when someone has a
managerial position in an organization, which places them somewhere in the hierarchy. This is
more of an assigned and tangible power.
For example, Sharon is the CHRO of Netflix, meaning, she has an assigned position, is listed in
the hierarchy, and can legitimately delegate tasks
Reward
power is the power to reward positive behavior and desired outcomes, so almost
the opposite of I've power. So, instead of taking away privileges, privileges are granted.
Reward power is something that Sharon could easily have as a CHRO, the power to set
initiatives and rewards is within her scope. Keeping Alice would be her reward if she was
allowed to finish her PIP
Referring powers
, essentially networking power is the power based on affiliations we
make with others. Again, being in Sharon's position helps her not only build respect in the
workplace but also put her in a position of power where people can look up to her and trust her
for advice.
