What type of power exists when an individual has control over resources or rewards desired by another?

The correct answer is Reward Power, which is defined by an individual's ability to provide valuable resources or rewards to others. This form of power is based on the premise that people are influenced by the possibility of receiving benefits or bonuses. For example, a manager in a workplace who can offer promotions, salary increases, flexible schedules, or other incentives possesses Reward Power.

This power dynamically motivates individuals to perform and behave according to the manager’s expectations or directives because they seek the rewards that are controlled by the manager. The principle underlying Reward Power emphasizes the importance of incentives in organizational behavior and leadership effectiveness.

In contrast, Coercive Power stems from the ability to impose penalties or sanctions, which does not motivate through positive reinforcement. Expert Power arises from an individual's skills, knowledge, or expertise that others can rely on, rather than from control over resources. Referent Power is derived from personal traits or relationships, such as charisma or likability, rather than from tangible rewards. Therefore, Reward Power specifically focuses on the ability to grant desired benefits, making it the vital resource-based influence in this context.