• There are two major forms of power for a leader and these could further be divided into other smaller categories.
• The two major categories and their subcategories are formal (coercive, reward, legitimate) and personal (expert and referent) power.
Formal power - Formal power is the power of position and the persons involved are not necessarily leaders. This power is divided into other subcategories namely
• 1. Coercive power
• 2. Reward power
• 3. Legitimate power
Personal Power – Personal power is the combination of positive traits and characteristics a person possesses that makes them naturally appealing to others. This category comprises of subcategories such as
• 1. Expert power
• 2. Referent power
• For a leader to be effective, s/he needs a mix of these power types. However, personal power is more effective and sustainable since it is based on both task (expert) and relationships (referent).
• The followers feel more motivated when personal power is used more than formal power. With personal power, the followers are more engaged and devoted to the organization and are willing to go the extra mile to reach organizational goals.

Listen to the video above and study the readings given on this page. Focusing on a named institutional leader, explain the types of power he/she exercises in his/her leadership.

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