Which term describes the power that comes from the individual's abilities and relationships rather than official duties?

Which term describes the power that comes from the individual's abilities and relationships rather than official duties?

• A. Position power
• B. Organizational culture
• C. Personal influence
• D. Planning

Answer: (C)

Power based on an individual's abilities and relationships rather than official duties is known as personal influence. This form of power comes from qualities like expertise, credibility, interpersonal skills, and the ability to build networks, which lets someone affect others’ actions without relying on their formal title. In contrast, position power—the authority tied to a formal role—grants influence through the job itself. Organizational culture is about shared norms and values, not a personal power source, and planning is a management task, not a type of power. So the best fit describes power arising from the person, not the position.

Power based on an individual's abilities and relationships rather than official duties is known as personal influence. This form of power comes from qualities like expertise, credibility, interpersonal skills, and the ability to build networks, which lets someone affect others’ actions without relying on their formal title. In contrast, position power—the authority tied to a formal role—grants influence through the job itself. Organizational culture is about shared norms and values, not a personal power source, and planning is a management task, not a type of power. So the best fit describes power arising from the person, not the position.