• Referent power refers to the potential influence one has due to the strength of the relationship between the leader and the followers.
• It is based on the leader`s personal traits and the need for others to be referred to or associated with people of influence.
• Referent power is earned through people`s perceptions of the leader being trustworthy and respectable.
• Most leaders possess traits such as charm, charisma, and creativity which are all intangible, but which make them command awe, respect, and loyalty.
• A leader high in referent power is generally liked and admired by others because of their personality.
• The leader earns this power when people gain confidence that s/he handles situations in a unique way that ensures that the parties are treated fairly, and hence satisfied.
• Admiration and identification with the leader influences others to act on the leader`s suggestions.
• Referent power often takes time to develop.
• Leaders with referent power show concern and acceptance, regard others positively, provide support when needed, are sincere in word and deed, go beyond duty demands to making self-sacrifices in certain instances, are reliable and work with integrity.
• The stronger the relationship, the more influence leaders and followers exert over each other.
• Followers with relatively more referent power than their peers are often spokespersons for their units. They generally have more latitude to deviate from work-unit norms.
• Referent power applies even to officers holding subordinate positions in an organization.

Listen to the video above and study the readings given on this page. Focusing on a named institutional leader, explain how he/she exercises referent power.

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