Which is an example of reward power?

Which is an example of reward power?

• A. A correctional officer threatens disciplinary action if inmates don't follow rules.
• B. A supervisor offers extra time off for meeting goals.
• C. An employee ignores a manager because they don't believe the manager has real authority.
• D. Officers follow a leader because they respect and admire them.

Answer: (B)

Reward power is the ability to influence others by giving them desirable outcomes in response to certain behaviors. Offering extra time off for meeting goals is a clear example because it ties a valued benefit to performance and the person has the authority to grant that benefit to motivate follow-through. The other scenarios illustrate different kinds of influence: using disciplinary threats shows coercive power; following a leader out of respect demonstrates referent power; and acting independently due to distrust signals a break in perceived authority. So the scenario with extra time off best demonstrates reward power.

Reward power is the ability to influence others by giving them desirable outcomes in response to certain behaviors. Offering extra time off for meeting goals is a clear example because it ties a valued benefit to performance and the person has the authority to grant that benefit to motivate follow-through. The other scenarios illustrate different kinds of influence: using disciplinary threats shows coercive power; following a leader out of respect demonstrates referent power; and acting independently due to distrust signals a break in perceived authority. So the scenario with extra time off best demonstrates reward power.