Which statement about referent power is most accurate?

Which statement about referent power is most accurate?

• A. It relies on formal authority.
• B. It comes from control over resources.
• C. It depends on coercion.
• D. Subordinates imitate and respect the leader.

Answer: (D)

Referent power comes from who the leader is and how others relate to them. People identify with the leader, admire them, and want to imitate their behavior and values. That identification gives influence without needing formal authority, rewards, or coercion. So the statement that subordinates imitate and respect the leader best captures referent power. It’s different from power that comes from a position (formal authority), control over resources (reward power), or using threats (coercive power).

Referent power comes from who the leader is and how others relate to them. People identify with the leader, admire them, and want to imitate their behavior and values. That identification gives influence without needing formal authority, rewards, or coercion. So the statement that subordinates imitate and respect the leader best captures referent power. It’s different from power that comes from a position (formal authority), control over resources (reward power), or using threats (coercive power).