Power: MOTIVATION AND INFLUENCE

MOTIVATION AND INFLUENCE

1. POWER AND INFLUENCE

To get a full understanding of motivation requires examining power and influence more closely. Power can give a leader the potential to influence the groups attitudes or behaviors towards the accomplishment of projects or goals. However, a leader can also misuse power. Using power too extensively creates separation, resistance, opposition, and disagreements. When a leader uses power without sensitivity to the feelings of others, they create authority with little influence. People appreciate leaders who ask them to think rather than just tell them what to do. Effective leaders use power to pull the group together and not push them towards a goal.

Leaders rely more on influence than their authority from power. Influence combines enthusiasm, excitement, charisma, and wisdom. When leaders use influence, they appeal to the group members' values, skills, and knowledge. By keeping motivation and enthusiasm going, the group moves more successfully towards their goals. How a leader uses power will determine the influence the leader will have with the group.

2. EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION

To use power and influence effectively a person needs to understand the different types of power:

	Reward Power
	Coercive Power
	Legitimate Power
	Expert Power
	Referent Power

Reward Power is when an individual has the opportunity to extend a reward to the group for accomplishing a project or goal.

Ex: Upon completion of reports, we will have a cookout. In this example the individual promises to give the group a reward of a cookout after completing the necessary work.

Coercive Power gives an individual the ability to administer some type of punishment to the group or individual. The individual enforces the punishment when the completion of a goal or project falls short.

Ex: If you do not clean the yard, you will not be able to use the car this weekend. In this case, not being able to use the car is the punishment for failing to clean the yard.

Legitimate Power gives an individual the right to ask for the accomplishment of a goal or project. The group feels an obligation to comply with the request of the individual.

Ex: We would like all company vehicles washed this week. The employees have an obligation to complete this project.

Expert Power is when an individual has special knowledge or skills in the area or project the group is working on.

Ex: Jim will lead us through this procedure because of his experience in working with plants. In this case Jim will lead the group through their workings because of his experience in the area.

Referent Power is when the group or individual makes accomplishments towards a goal or project because of their admiration for an individual. The group respects and wants the individual’s approval.

Ex: An individual who has been active in several community projects appeals to the community to assist in a fund raiser. In this example people respond because of their respect and admiration for the individual.

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Send questions about this website to Denise Davies at ddavies@ag.arizona.edu. For course information or questions not included in these pages contact Dr. James Knight. Copyright (c) 1998 Department of Agricultural Education, The University of Arizona. Website version 1.2, last updated on Thursday, August 16, 2001.