The Five Forms of Power, explained
As you navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics, you've likely encountered various forms of influence.
Perhaps you've wondered why some managers seem to effortlessly rally their teams, while others struggle to gain traction. Enter French and Raven's Five Forms of Power — a framework that might just change how you think about leadership and influence in your professional life.
The five forms of power
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In 1959, social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven proposed a model that's still relevant today. They identified five distinct types of power that leaders can wield:
Legitimate Power: This is the formal authority that comes with your position. It's the power you have because, well, it says "manager" on your business card.
Reward Power: Your ability to dole out bonuses, promotions, or even just praise falls under this category.
Coercive Power: The flip side of reward power, this is your capacity to punish or penalize.
Expert Power: This stems from your knowledge, skills, or expertise in a particular area.
Referent Power: This is all about charisma and interpersonal skills—the power of personality, if you will.
Beyond the basics
Now, you might be thinking, "Great, I'll just use all of these and become an unstoppable force!" Not so fast. Like any tool, each form of power has its time and place.
Consider Sarah, a newly promoted team lead at a tech startup. Her legitimate power is limited—she's new to the role, and the startup's culture is fairly flat. Her coercive power is practically non-existent in a company where talent is at a premium and nobody wants to risk driving away good people.
However, Sarah's expert power is strong. She's known for her coding skills and industry knowledge. She also has solid referent power, thanks to her ability to connect with people and her reputation for fairness. By leaning into these strengths, Sarah can effectively lead her team without relying on more traditional forms of authority.
The power paradox
Here's where it gets interesting: the most effective leaders often rely least on their legitimate and coercive power. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at UC Berkeley, calls this the "power paradox." His research suggests that people rise to power by being empathetic and collaborative, but once they have power, they often become less so.
This is where French and Raven's model becomes particularly useful. By understanding the different forms of power available to you, you can consciously choose which to employ in various situations, avoiding the pitfalls of relying too heavily on position or punishment.
Power in practice
Let's look at how this might play out in your day-to-day:
You're trying to get buy-in for a new project. Rather than leaning on your legitimate power ("We're doing this because I say so"), you might leverage your expert power by clearly explaining the benefits based on your industry knowledge.
A team member is consistently underperforming. Instead of jumping to coercive power (threats of demotion or firing), you might use a combination of reward power (offering support and resources) and referent power (having a heart-to-heart conversation) to understand and address the issue.
You're new to a leadership role and feeling unsure. Focus on building your expert and referent power by continually learning and fostering genuine connections with your team.
The sixth power?
It's worth noting that French and Raven later added a sixth form of power: informational power. This relates to your ability to control the flow of information. In today's data-driven world, this form of power is increasingly relevant. Think about how you can ethically use this power to keep your team informed and aligned.
Power play: negotiating with others
While we've primarily discussed these power dynamics within an organisation, French and Raven's model can be equally illuminating when applied to external negotiations. Whether you're hammering out a deal with a supplier, negotiating with a potential client, or even engaging in diplomatic talks, understanding and leveraging these power bases can significantly impact your outcomes.
Let's break down how each form of power might manifest in a negotiation scenario:
Legitimate Power in negotiation often stems from your position or the entity you represent. If you're negotiating on behalf of a major corporation or a government body, you carry a certain legitimacy that can influence the proceedings. However, be cautious: overreliance on this power can lead to resentment or pushback from the other party.
Reward Power in external negotiations is about what you can offer. This could be a lucrative contract, access to markets, or any other benefit the other party desires. The key is to understand what the other party values and to strategically reveal these potential rewards.
Coercive Power might seem less applicable in negotiations, but it's often present in the form of potential negative consequences. The ability to withdraw from a deal, impose sanctions, or damage reputation can be powerful motivators. Use this power judiciously, as it can easily backfire and poison the negotiation climate.
Expert Power is often your trump card in negotiations. Your knowledge of the market, technical expertise, or unique insights can significantly sway the other party. Demonstrating this expertise early can set the tone for the entire negotiation.
Referent Power in negotiations is about building rapport and trust. If the other party likes and respects you, they're more likely to make concessions or find mutually beneficial solutions. This power base is particularly crucial in long-term business relationships.
Consider the case of a small tech startup negotiating with a large corporation for a partnership deal. The startup lacks legitimate power and has limited reward or coercive power. However, they can leverage their expert power (unique technological knowledge) and potentially their referent power (passion, vision, and interpersonal skills) to level the playing field.
In your next negotiation, take a moment to assess: What power bases do you bring to the table? How can you ethically leverage these to achieve your goals while also considering the other party's interests? By doing so, you'll not only improve your negotiation outcomes but also build stronger, more sustainable business relationships.
Other sources of power
Agility: A kind of ‘less is more’ power often used by disruptors, insurgents and new market entrants, having little to lose and no legacy processes to protect or adapt can give the ‘smaller’ party a surprising amount of power.
The power : Having a strong BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement) gives one the power to walk away, often strengthening their position. This power source is particularly relevant in negotiations and can significantly influence outcomes.
Network Power This refers to the strength and extent of one's professional and personal connections. Someone with a vast, influential network can leverage these relationships for information, support, or opportunities, giving them a unique form of power.
Resource Power While somewhat related to Reward Power, this specifically refers to control over critical resources, whether they're financial, material, or human. In business contexts, having exclusive access to key resources can be a significant source of power.
Information Power In our data-driven world, access to crucial information—or the ability to control its flow—can be a potent source of power. This goes beyond Expert Power, as it's not just about knowing things, but about having access to specific, valuable data.
Moral Power This stems from being perceived as ethically superior or having the moral high ground. It can be particularly influential in public disputes or when dealing with socially conscious stakeholders.
Technological Power In our digital age, having superior technology or technological capabilities can be a significant advantage. This could range from having better data analytics to owning crucial patents.
Temporal Power This refers to the power that comes from controlling or having influence over timing. The ability to delay, expedite, or set deadlines can be a subtle but effective form of power.
Cultural Power This is the influence that comes from being aligned with or representing the dominant culture. It can be particularly relevant in international business contexts or in diverse organizational settings.
Resilience Power This is the power that comes from the ability to withstand pressure, setbacks, or challenges. A person or organization known for their resilience can often outlast or outmaneuver others.
Power tools for leaders
As you consider how to improve your leadership skills, French and Raven's model offers a valuable framework. But remember, it's not about accumulating all forms of power. It's about understanding which forms of power you have at your disposal and using them judiciously.
The most effective leaders are those who can fluidly move between different power bases as the situation demands. They understand that true influence comes not from wielding power over others, but from empowering those around them.
So, the next time you're faced with a leadership challenge, take a moment to consider: Which form of power would be most effective here? How can I use my influence to not just get things done, but to build a stronger, more motivated team in the process?
In the end, the greatest power you have as a leader might just be the power to choose how you lead.