Power and Politics in the Workplace: Who Really Holds Control?
In any organization, the concepts of power and politics are inescapable. Whether formal or informal, visible or hidden, these dynamics shape how decisions are made, how influence is exerted, and how people navigate their professional relationships. Understanding the different types of power is not just useful for managers—it’s essential for anyone looking to thrive in a structured environment.
Psychologist and management expert Stephen Robbins once wrote:
„A person can have power over you only if he or she controls something you desire.”
(Robbins, 1996, p.463)
This quote reminds us that power isn’t always about titles or physical strength—it’s about control over what others value.
Understanding the Types of Power
Power comes in many forms. Let’s break down six classic types of power:
- Referent Power – Influence gained from personal traits or charisma.
- Coercive Power – Based on fear or threats.
- Reward Power – The ability to offer incentives.
- Legitimate Power – Derived from one’s position or title.
- Power (general) – The capacity to influence someone to do something they wouldn’t do otherwise.
- Expert Power – Influence based on knowledge or skills.
These types of power help explain how people influence each other—especially in professional environments, where authority doesn’t always align with official roles.
Three Quotes That Capture the Nature of Power:
- “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
– Lord Acton
A warning on the danger of unchecked authority. - “The measure of a man is what he does with power.”
– Plato
A call to reflect on responsibility and ethics. - “You see what power is—holding someone else’s fear in your hand and showing it to them.”
– Amy Tan
A powerful description of coercive influence.
Watch this video French and Raven’s Bases of Power to learn more
Quick Exercise: What Kind of Power?
Match each term with the correct definition:
1. Referent power
2. Coercive power
3. Reward power
4. Legitimate power
5. Power (general)
6. Expert power
Definitions:
a. Power that is based on fear.
b. The ability to make others do as you wish, because you control resources (e.g., favours, promotion or salary).
c. The capacity that A has to influence B to do things he or she would not otherwise do.
d. Power based on knowledge or special abilities.
e. Influence that a person has because of special personality traits or desirable resources.
f. Power that is based on status or position in an organization.
✅ Answer Key:
1 → e
2 → a
3 → b
4 → f
5 → c
6 → d
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