What power is derived from a person's skill or expertise that others depend on?

The concept of expert power stems from a person's specialized skills, knowledge, or expertise that others rely on to achieve specific tasks or solve problems. This form of power is rooted in the perception that an individual holds valuable and relevant information that others do not possess, creating a dependency on that person's abilities.

When an individual is recognized for their expertise, they often influence decision-making and gain respect from peers and subordinates. This influence is not based on positional authority or relationships, but rather on the acknowledgment of their competence in a certain area, making them credible and trustworthy sources of information.

In contrast, legitimate power arises from a person's formal position within an organization. Referent power is based on the personal attributes and charisma of an individual, which inspires admiration or respect. Rational persuasion involves using logical arguments and factual evidence to convince others. While these forms of power can be effective in influencing behavior, they do not hinge on an individual's specific skills or expertise as expert power does.