Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which source of power is considered legitimate in a leadership context?

1. Reward power

2. Expert power

3. Referent power

4. Coercive power

The correct answer is: Reward power

In a leadership context, the concept of legitimate power refers to the authority granted to an individual based on their position within an organization. This power derives from the perception that the leader has the right to make demands and expect compliance from subordinates. Reward power is associated with the leader’s ability to provide rewards or incentives to team members. This source of power is often viewed as legitimate because it is tied to the leader's role and their ability to influence through positive reinforcement, such as promotions, bonuses, or other forms of recognition. Leaders who utilize reward power can establish a sense of legitimacy because their authority aligns with organizational structures and roles. Followers typically recognize and accept the leader's ability to provide rewards as part of their legitimate power. This acceptance can be vital for maintaining morale and motivation within the team, creating an environment where team members feel valued and incentivized to perform well. Other forms of power, such as expert power and referent power, are also significant in leadership but do not necessarily convey a positional authority that is widely recognized. Coercive power, while it can exert influence, tends to be viewed more negatively, as it is based on the ability to punish or control through fear, having less emphasis on legitimacy.