Question

. Explain the main sources of project leadership influence and power. Give a practical example of each of the main sources of influence and power within your own organization.

Answer 1

The main sources of Project leadership influence and power are :

1. Legitimate Power: Also known as position power as it is derived from the position of the individual in the organization. It gives right to ask work from others which is within the scope of their work framework. It also enables the individual to take discretionary decisions as long as the followers accept the discretion. So if a line managers has asked something in your work field it becomes obligation for the reportee to complete the task

2. Reward Power : It is ability of a person to influence others by giving the things that they want. This can lead to better performance as long as the employees see a direct connection between the reward and the performance.

3.Coercive Power : It is ability of a person to influence others by punishing the employees. This may lead to negative feelings in the employees. This technique is used in army where the soldiers are punished for their indiscipline.

4.Expert Power : It is ability to influence others by sheer knowledge and intellect. This power gets further strengthened by the experience of the individual. All doctors are expert of their respective areas and they derive power from people perceive they are credible and trustworthy

5.Referent Power : It is ability to influence others behavior because they like, admire, and respect the individual. So a person accepts to do a work or support because an individual adores the person who has requested. So if you adore some manager and he ask some data urgently you support him not because you are bound to but because you adore him.