Which power base is grounded in the respect, admiration, and identification others feel for a person?

Which power base is grounded in the respect, admiration, and identification others feel for a person?

• A. Expert Power
• B. Coercive Power
• C. Referent Power
• D. Legitimate Power

Answer: (C)

Power bases rooted in how others feel about you come from referent power. This type of influence grows when a leader’s personal qualities—trustworthiness, charisma, approachability—earn admiration and respect so that others identify with them and want to emulate their behavior. People follow because of the personal connection, not because of a title or potential punishment. Expert power, by contrast, comes from knowledge and skill; coercive power relies on the ability to punish; legitimate power stems from holding a formal position. The scenario describes influence based on admiration and identification, which is why referent power is the best fit.

Power bases rooted in how others feel about you come from referent power. This type of influence grows when a leader’s personal qualities—trustworthiness, charisma, approachability—earn admiration and respect so that others identify with them and want to emulate their behavior. People follow because of the personal connection, not because of a title or potential punishment.

Expert power, by contrast, comes from knowledge and skill; coercive power relies on the ability to punish; legitimate power stems from holding a formal position. The scenario describes influence based on admiration and identification, which is why referent power is the best fit.