For example students in one research study were trained to articulate an overarching goal, communicate high-performance expectations, exhibit confidence in the ability of followers to meet these expectations, and empathize with their subordinates' needs. According to French and Raven, there are five sources of power that a leader might use. Legitimate power is the power a person has a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy. Coercive power is the power to punish or control using negative consequences. Reward power is the power to reward or produce positive benefits.
Expert power is influence that results from specialized expertise, knowlege, or skill.
Referent power is power that arises from identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits. Organizational situations are different. Yet, we can say that in today's organizations, flexibility, teamwork, trust, and information sharing are rapidly replacing old ways of doing things. The best managers listen, motivate, and provide support to their followers. They inspire and influence rather than control.