Concepts of Power in Leadership
his assignment will combine some of the concepts presented to this point in the course. Consider the following types of leadership power as you respond to the following questions in a 6-9 page Microsoft Word document:
- Legitimate power
- Reward power
- Coercive power
- Referent power
- Expert power
- Which of the above types of power do you believe are most important in leadership? Why? Examine their importance with reference to the guidelines for each and the disadvantages for each type.
- Assess whether or not any of the above power types are essential to leaders in criminal justice. Provide a rationale for your assessment.
- In what ways do the above power types match up with the “Big Five” personality types? In other words, is it likely that a leader wielding “expert power” would have a particular “Big Five” trait?
- Describe what is meant by “management by walking around.” What does this process entail, and how can it be implemented in a criminal justice setting?
- Discuss the limitations and opportunities related to participative leadership in criminal justice agencies. Explain how this leadership method might legitimately be used in the criminal justice field, and where it cannot be successful.
Cite any sources using APA format on a separate page
Answer preview
Power can be defined as the ability of a person to influence other people. There are five concepts of power, namely, legitimate, reward, coercive, referent, and expert power. Legitimate power is power due to the legitimate position one holds. This power exists because subordinates believe and respect the position a person holds. This power increases with added responsibilities. Reward power entails using rewards to make a person follow instructions or orders. This power comes with influence a person wields in an organization such so that they capable of withholding that power should a person fail to comply. Coercive power is about the use of force to make an employee follow an order. The power to force an employee comes from the fact that a person holds a more significant position compared…
(2000 words)