The Five Organizational Powers

In an organization there are different types of power bases; first is the power to reward, then the power to coerce - to punish. (We often call them "the carrot and the stick") Thirdly is the power of position or legitimate power, next is expert power based on specialized knowledge and finally reference power, the power of influence and respect. As you reach through the ranks there is a natural progression of these power bases in an organization.