Which type of power is associated with legitimate authority?

The type of power associated with legitimate authority is legitimate power. Legitimate power stems from an individual's position or role within an organization or society, granting them the right to command and expect compliance from others. This form of power is recognized and accepted by subordinates due to the established hierarchy or organizational structure.

For instance, a manager has legitimate power over their team because their authority is derived from their position within the company; members recognize this authority as part of the organizational norms. This recognition allows leaders to implement policies, make decisions, and lead effectively.

Understanding legitimate power is vital for effective leadership, as it establishes a framework within which leaders can operate, ensuring that their directives are followed based on their official capacity rather than personal relationships or external influences. Other types of power, such as reward, coercive, or expert power, do not derive from formal authority or position but rather from different sources such as the ability to provide rewards or punishments, or specialized knowledge, which are distinctly different from the concept of legitimate authority.