Referent power is based on which factor?

Referent power is based on which factor?

• A. Knowledge, skills, or experience.
• B. The authority to make demands.
• C. Respect, admiration, or personal connection.
• D. Punishment or threats.

Answer: (C)

Referent power comes from how others identify with you, including their respect, admiration, and the personal connection they feel toward you. In practice, a leader who earns trust and positive regard can influence behavior because people want to follow someone they look up to or feel connected with, not because they are simply following orders or fearing consequences. This is why it’s different from other bases of power: knowledge, skills, or experience underlie expert power; the authority to make demands reflects legitimate or positional power; and punishment or threats reflect coercive power. The essence of referent power is influence rooted in relationships and personal esteem.

Referent power comes from how others identify with you, including their respect, admiration, and the personal connection they feel toward you. In practice, a leader who earns trust and positive regard can influence behavior because people want to follow someone they look up to or feel connected with, not because they are simply following orders or fearing consequences. This is why it’s different from other bases of power: knowledge, skills, or experience underlie expert power; the authority to make demands reflects legitimate or positional power; and punishment or threats reflect coercive power. The essence of referent power is influence rooted in relationships and personal esteem.