Legitimate power is a type of power that is derived from the formal position or rank held by an individual within an organization. It is the authority that is granted to an individual based on their position within the organization and is often referred to as positional power. This type of power is typically associated with leaders who hold a formal leadership role, such as a manager or supervisor.
Legitimate power is an important aspect of leadership because it allows leaders to make decisions and take actions that are necessary for the organization to achieve its goals. For example, a manager may use their legitimate power to assign tasks to employees, set deadlines, or make changes to policies and procedures. This type of power is also often used to motivate and influence the behavior of others, as employees may be more likely to comply with the requests or orders of a leader who holds legitimate power.
One of the key benefits of legitimate power is that it is often supported by the organizational structure and is therefore seen as more legitimate and fair. This can help to maintain order and stability within the organization, as employees are more likely to follow the rules and procedures that are put in place by those who hold legitimate power.
However, it is important for leaders who hold legitimate power to use it responsibly and ethically. If a leader abuses their power or uses it in a way that is not in the best interests of the organization or its employees, they may lose the respect and trust of those they lead. This can lead to a lack of commitment and engagement from employees, which can ultimately undermine the effectiveness of the leader and the organization.
In conclusion, legitimate power is an important aspect of leadership that allows leaders to make decisions and take actions that are necessary for the organization to achieve its goals. It is important for leaders to use this power responsibly and ethically in order to maintain the respect and trust of those they lead and to ensure the success of the organization.
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According to Green, there are several ways in which one can acquire power. Therefore, he can go below the boundaries of his legitimacy. It is the most common type of legitimate power. Political scientists and philosophers have long wrestled with this question, and there is no easy answer. Authority is an important concept in both political and moral philosophy.
Leadership and Power
Nonetheless, legitimate power is still significant to an organization. Just like any other form of power, legitimate power is exercised in leadership positions. Each of the leaders at the next level Level 2 has authority over three separate people each. The individual or organization must be acting in a transparent and accountable manner. Thus, it is important to be open-minded and listen to your team, taking on board their opinions before making any decisions. An employer may be a contractual authority, meaning they have the authority to make decisions for their employees based on the terms of an employment contract. A leader can complement and strengthen their legitimate power with expert power as employees seek out the leader's knowledge, experience or skill set in a given situation to devise a logical and equitable solution.
What is Legitimate Power?
Furthermore, power can have negative or positive effects on an organization, depending on how it is utilized Merchant. For that reason, a manager who empowers employees becomes more of a colleague than a boss Fuqua, Payne and Cangemi. For example, a lender may offer a bonus or pay raise to meet a certain sales quota. The higher up the organizational hierarchy you go the more power you hold. Kevin Toole Kevin M. Additionally, legitimate power depends on the position a person occupies within an organization.
Legitimate Power: How To Ethically Influence Your Team
Toole has taught college level courses for over twenty-two years. Employees within an organization can also wield expert power, where everyone is relevant for the technical know-how they contribute on the job. In some cases, an authority may be replaced or disbanded if it is found to be illegitimate. For that reason, not everything can be delegated. For that reason, his seniors are free to delegate some of their responsibilities to him. Charismatic power inspires positivity and joyful feelings in others.
Leadership power, legitimate, coercive power, reward power
Other Types of Power There are other types of power that leaders should use to complement their positions in an organization - some perceived to be positive and others negative, but nonetheless, they are found in all levels of leadership and management. The intrinsic view says that authority is justified because it is good in itself. Works Cited Ashraf, T. Learn More For that reason, legitimate power is the power enjoyed by a person by virtue of his position within an organization Phatak. This leads to a type of myopia where only one view is permitted.
What Is Legitimate Power In Leadership
Coercive Power Coercive power tends to be attained through fear. Accordingly, effective leaders understand how to use their legitimate powers in a way that fulfills their mandate. Reward power can only be enforced when leaders are equipped to offer incentives. It flows towards the one who readily takes it. Some disadvantages of leadership power include; May lead to defiance and frustration: When a leader overuses legitimate power, subordinates can become frustrated or become defiant over time. The three most common types of power on the positive end and used successfully to strengthen an organization, a leader's position, and enhance their legitimate power are referent power, expert power, and reward power.
The Concept of Legitimate Power in Leadership Explained With Examples
For that reason, legitimate leaders must fully comprehend the theory of organizational behaviour if they are to govern an organization or a department effectively. Expert power is particularly important because it transcends the traditional pyramid of power. If the people do not feel like they have a voice, or that their opinions do not matter, then the authority figure will not be seen as legitimate. Dictators are often not legitimized by the people. How do leaders use legitimate power? This power comes when an organization recognizes the authority of an individual. The key is to use coercive power in a fair, just, and practical way. Having someone in a position of authority who understand the that work is being done by their staff can be a motivational aspect for most people in a business.
