Coercive Power and Legitimate Power

Apply the six types of power as discussed in the module resources to the Netflix case study, which you read about last week.

Coercive Power
Legitimate Power
Reward Power
Referent Power
Expert Power
Multidimensional Power
Consider the types of power that Sharon Slade, the chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Netflix, has in this situation. In your initial post, first describe the six types of power Sharon possesses. Then, provide examples that show how Sharon may exhibit this type of power during the negotiations. Finally, provide a reason why this type of power is important in this setting. Use the example below as a guide.

Example—Expert power: This is the power that comes from the thought that a person has expert-level knowledge of a topic or high-level skill. For example, Sharon has power in human resource matters, as she has great knowledge of the company's policies and the law during the negotiations to drive a fair bargain.
u

Full Answer Section

     

Coercive power is important in this setting because it gives Sharon leverage in the negotiations. She can use the threat of punishment to get employees to comply with her demands.

Legitimate Power

Legitimate power is the power that comes from a position of authority. Sharon Slade has legitimate power because she is the CHRO at Netflix. She is the highest-ranking HR officer in the company.

For example, Sharon could use legitimate power to tell employees that they must comply with her demands because she is the CHRO. She could also use her position of authority to convince employees that her terms are fair and reasonable.

Legitimate power is important in this setting because it gives Sharon a sense of authority. Employees are more likely to comply with her demands if they believe that she has the right to issue them.

Reward Power

Reward power is the ability to give someone something they want. Sharon Slade has reward power because she is responsible for compensation and benefits at Netflix. She can give employees raises, bonuses, and promotions. She can also provide them with other benefits, such as stock options and paid time off.

For example, Sharon could use reward power to promise employees raises or promotions if they agree to her terms. She could also offer them other benefits, such as stock options or paid time off.

Reward power is important in this setting because it gives Sharon a way to incentivize employees to comply with her demands. Employees are more likely to agree to her terms if they believe that they will be rewarded for doing so.

Referent Power

Referent power is the power that comes from being admired or respected. Sharon Slade has referent power because she is a well-respected HR professional. She has a long track record of success in the field.

For example, Sharon could use referent power to appeal to employees' sense of admiration or respect. She could tell them that she is trying to do what is best for the company and its employees. She could also try to convince them that she is a fair and reasonable negotiator.

Referent power is important in this setting because it gives Sharon credibility. Employees are more likely to trust her and comply with her demands if they admire and respect her.

Expert Power

Expert power is the power that comes from having knowledge or expertise. Sharon Slade has expert power because she is an expert in HR. She has a deep understanding of HR law and best practices.

For example, Sharon could use expert power to explain the legal and financial implications of her proposals to employees. She could also use her expertise to convince employees that her terms are fair and reasonable.

Expert power is important in this setting because it gives Sharon credibility. Employees are more likely to trust her and comply with her demands if they believe that she is an expert in her field.

Multidimensional Power

Multidimensional power is the combination of two or more types of power. Sharon Slade has multidimensional power because she has access to all six types of power.

For example, Sharon could use coercive power to threaten to fire employees, legitimate power to tell employees that they must comply with her demands, reward power to promise employees raises or promotions, referent power to appeal to employees' sense of admiration or respect, and expert power to explain the legal and financial implications of her proposals to employees.

Multidimensional power is important in this setting because it gives Sharon a great deal of leverage in the negotiations. She can use different types of power to get employees to comply with her demands.

Examples of Sharon Slade Using Her Power

Here are some examples of how Sharon Slade could use her power during the negotiations with the employees:

Coercive Power

  • Threaten to fire employees if they do not agree to her terms.
  • Withhold promotions or raises.

Legitimate Power

  • Tell employees that they must comply with her demands because she is the CHRO.
  • Convince employees that her terms are fair and reasonable because she is the CHRO.

Reward Power

  • Promise employees raises or promotions if they agree to her terms.
  • Offer employees other benefits, such as stock options or paid time off.

Sample Answer

   

Sharon Slade's Power in the Netflix Case Study

Sharon Slade, the chief human resources officer (CHRO) at Netflix, has access to all six types of power in the Netflix case study.

Coercive Power

Coercive power is the ability to punish or harm someone. Sharon Slade has coercive power because she is responsible for hiring, firing, and disciplining employees. She can also withhold promotions or raises.

For example, Sharon could use coercive power to threaten to fire employees if they do not agree to her terms. She could also threaten to withhold promotions or raises.