Which type of power is defined as control over important information, such as access to the chief's schedule?

Which type of power is defined as control over important information, such as access to the chief's schedule?

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

Answer: (A)

Information power comes from controlling access to information others need to do their jobs. In a hierarchy, who controls the chief’s schedule holds the ability to authorize meetings, set priorities, and coordinate tasks. Because coworkers rely on that schedule to plan their work, the person overseeing it can influence decisions and workflows even without formal authority. This is different from resource power, which is about tangible assets; it’s also different from charismatic power, which depends on personal charm, and from broad personal power, which stems from overall traits or expertise rather than controlling specific information.

Information power comes from controlling access to information others need to do their jobs. In a hierarchy, who controls the chief’s schedule holds the ability to authorize meetings, set priorities, and coordinate tasks. Because coworkers rely on that schedule to plan their work, the person overseeing it can influence decisions and workflows even without formal authority. This is different from resource power, which is about tangible assets; it’s also different from charismatic power, which depends on personal charm, and from broad personal power, which stems from overall traits or expertise rather than controlling specific information.