Power based on expert knowledge or referent status is an example of which type of power?

Power based on expert knowledge or referent status is an example of which type of power?

• A. Information power
• B. Personal power
• C. Charismatic power
• D. Resource power

Answer: (B)

Power based on expert knowledge or referent status comes from who the individual is, not from a role or resources. When someone has specialized knowledge, others see them as credible and turn to them for guidance. When someone has referent status, people admire or identify with them and are influenced because of that relationship or admiration. These sources of influence—expertise and the desire to be like or align with the person—are personal attributes, placing the power in the person rather than in their position, information, or assets.

Power based on expert knowledge or referent status comes from who the individual is, not from a role or resources. When someone has specialized knowledge, others see them as credible and turn to them for guidance. When someone has referent status, people admire or identify with them and are influenced because of that relationship or admiration. These sources of influence—expertise and the desire to be like or align with the person—are personal attributes, placing the power in the person rather than in their position, information, or assets.