Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a type of leadership power?

1. Reward power

2. Interactional power

3. Referent power

4. Coercive power

The correct answer is: Interactional power

Interactional power is not recognized as a standard form of leadership power in the established models of leadership. The more commonly acknowledged types of power in leadership include reward power, referent power, and coercive power. Reward power refers to the ability of a leader to provide incentives or rewards to influence followers’ behaviors. This can include financial rewards, recognition, or opportunities for advancement. Referent power derives from the personal traits and respect that a leader commands from their followers. It is based on the admiration and loyalty that individuals have for a leader, often leading to a strong influence over their attitudes and behaviors. Coercive power, on the other hand, comes from the ability to impose penalties or negative consequences to ensure compliance or influence behavior. In contrast, interactional power does not fit into the typical classifications of leadership power, making it the option that does not belong in this context.