What defines Expert Power?

What defines Expert Power?

• A. Control over rewards
• B. Belief the power holder has special knowledge or expertise
• C. Ability to punish
• D. Charismatic personality

Answer: (B)

Expert power comes from others’ belief that you have specialized knowledge or expertise in a given area. When people think you know more than they do about a particular domain, they are more likely to follow your advice, defer to your judgment, and accept your recommendations, especially in technical or complex situations. This power rests on credibility and competence rather than threats or formal authority, and it grows when you demonstrate real expertise, provide accurate information, and show a track record of solving relevant problems. It can be weakened if the expertise is questioned, outdated, or not clearly demonstrated. The other forms of influence come from different sources: access to rewards or punishment, or a charismatic, likable presence, rather than perceived technical know-how.

Expert power comes from others’ belief that you have specialized knowledge or expertise in a given area. When people think you know more than they do about a particular domain, they are more likely to follow your advice, defer to your judgment, and accept your recommendations, especially in technical or complex situations. This power rests on credibility and competence rather than threats or formal authority, and it grows when you demonstrate real expertise, provide accurate information, and show a track record of solving relevant problems. It can be weakened if the expertise is questioned, outdated, or not clearly demonstrated. The other forms of influence come from different sources: access to rewards or punishment, or a charismatic, likable presence, rather than perceived technical know-how.