Sources of Power There are different sources of power a leader may possess.

These powers may be legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, information, and referent. French and Raven (1959) believed that these powers can influence others. These powers are the function of a leader, follower, situation and its interrelationship with each other. Effective nurse leaders take steps to ensure that they have sufficient levels each type and that they use the power they have in beneficial ways. 1. LEGITIMATE POWER is bestowed upon a leader by a given position in the hierarchy of an organization. Such power is sanctioned by titles such as director of nursing and provides a leader with a mantle of authority given by the administration. This is both the most obvious and most important kind of power. 2. REWARD POWER is derived from the managers ability to give rewards to her subordinates for compliance with her orders or requests. It refers to the degree to which the individual somehow compensate her subordinates through means such as benefits, time off, desired gifts, promotions or increases in pay or responsibility. This power is obvious but also ineffective if abused. People who abuse reward power can become pushy or reprimanded for being too forthcoming or moving things too quickly. 3. COERCIVE POWER is based on the leaders ability to punish subordinates for noncompliance with his directives. It might refer to the ability to withhold rewards or even create an untenable working situation for such subordinates. Coercive Power tends to be the most obvious but least effective form of power as it builds resentment and resistance within the targets of coercive power. 4. EXPERT POWER is derived from special abilities or skills unique to the leader. It is the ability to influence others through the possession of knowledge or skills that are useful to them. This type of power is usually highly specific and limited to the particular area in which the expert is trained and qualified. The power associated with caring provided by nurses has been described as transformative and healing. Transformative and healing power contribute to the power of caring, which is central to the profession of nursing. 5. INFORMATION POWER is derived from being well informed and up-to-date. It is through Information power that nurses are able to persuade others. While people with Expert power are perceived by their image of expertise to show credibility (i.e. a qualified registered nurse in a nurses uniform), those who possess Information Power does not have a strict need to look the part of a professional. They keep up to date with new research and debate confidently and persuades well because of the information they possess. 6. REFERENT POWER is based on relationships and connections. It is also called networking. Referent power means the power or ability of individuals to attract others and build loyalty. It is based on the charisma and interpersonal skills of the power holder. Those who follow these individuals who possess Referent Power desire to identify with the personal qualities of the leader and gains satisfaction from being an accepted follower. This power can be shown in two forms. - It can be based on certain attractiveness or appeal of one person to another, e.g. church leader or community workers. - It may also be based on a persons connection or relationship with another powerful individual, e.g., political connections

Reported by: French Jane L. Pastolero, BSN, RN, MN