Power derived from an individual's ability to threaten negative outcomes is known as what?

• A. Coercive Power
• B. Reward Power
• C. Expert Power
• D. Referent Power

Answer: (A)

Coercive power comes from the ability to threaten or apply punishment to influence others. When someone can impose negative consequences—such as discipline, demotion, or loss of privileges—people tend to comply to avoid those outcomes. That makes coercive power the fit for a scenario described as power derived from threat of negative results. By contrast, reward power relies on giving incentives for compliance, expert power on knowledge or skills, and referent power on personal charm or admiration; none of these depend on threatening negative consequences.