Final answer:
A manager stating "because I am the boss, you must do what I ask" is asserting their legitimate power. This type of power is recognized and accepted as it stems from their formal position within the organizational hierarchy. It is part of rational-legal authority, which is legitimized by institutional rules and laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a manager says "because I am the boss, you must do what I ask", they are relying on legitimate power. Legitimate power is the type of authority that is accepted and recognized as rightful by those they lead. It is power that people acquiesce to because it emanates from a position or role that is deemed respectable and proper in the hierarchy of an organization or society.
Legitimate power is typically contrasted with types of power that do not stem from a formal or recognized position, such as charismatic authority or persuasive power. In formal institutions and organizations, where roles are well-defined, authority is often understood as rational-legal authority, which is authorized by the rules, regulations, and laws that construct the entity's framework.
In the case of the manager, their claim to power springs not necessarily from their personal qualities or their ability to persuade, but from the position they hold. Their power to make decisions, direct others, and expect compliance is inherent in their role as manager and is accepted by subordinates as part of organizational structure.