Question

Paul, a salesman at an apparel store, did not close as many sales as was expected. Hence, his supervisor withheld his monthly incentive. In the given scenario, Paul’s supervisor possesses:

Answer 1

Answer: Coercive power

Explanation: Coercive power is evident when a superior officer or manager employs to the use of force into making an employee carry out a certain task, achieve a certain result or comply with an order. Means of Coercive power employed in organizations include suspension, demotion or withholding certain privileges of the employee.

In the scenario above, withholding Mr. Paul's monthly incentive by his supervisor during to his ability to close as many sales as expected is an example of the use of Coercive power by the supervisor.