types of powers of project manager

Submitted by vijayavadrevu on Mon, 04/29/2013 - 03:41

18. You have delivered many complex and technically challenging projects in the past and have won respect and appreciation for your work from the customer and senior managers in the organization alike. Which form of power are you using?

A) Formal (Legitimate)

B) Reward

C) Expert

D) Referent

Answer is given as "Referent"

 

I have answered it C from the words,  You have delivered many complex and technically challenging projects in the past

 

Can some one explain why it should be referenet power?

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PMP / CAPM exam Question bank
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crushPMP

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 03:44

It could have been Expert if they didn't throw in the words respect and appreciation which leans more towards Referrent.

vijayavadrevu

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 07:22

Thank You

siddus

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 08:19

The questions asks which form of power the PM is using in this situation. Having delivered complex and technically challenging projects, the PM has demonstrated Expert power to excel in her line of work. Although she has won the respect and appreciation of the customer and senior management, the situation does not allude whether the PM is using his charisma to wield power and get the work done. Therefore, I am strongly inclined towards option C. Hope the source of your question is dependable. 

vijayavadrevu

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 11:59

Yes, I too have answered it as C. It is from Simplilearn question bank

siddus

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 12:04

Have they provided an explanation for the answer. Could you paste the information here. 

Thanks

vijayavadrevu

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 12:10

This an example of Referent form of power derived from respect and appreciation. There are several types of power a leader uses namely: Formal authority (legitimate power): ability to influence through the authority to direct, based upon position in the hierarchy of the organizational structure or the perception of official empowerment to issue orders. Reward power: ability to influence based upon direct or indirect control over positive consequences, one desires to gain such as raises in compensation, bonuses, promotions, choice assignments, or other perks. Penalty (coercive) power: ability to influence based upon direct or indirect control over negative consequences, one desires to avoid such as the lack of raises in compensation, bonuses, promotions, choice assignments, or other perks. Expert power: ability to influence based upon expertise or special knowledge considered important to the work at hand. Referent power: ability to influence based upon respect, loyalty, admiration, affection, or a desire to gain approval

 

 

siddus

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 12:26

While they have correctly specified text book definitions of each power, they have not explained how Referent power applies in this scenario and more importantly why Expert power is not the correct answer.

I would like to see some expert feedback from experienced forum members.