Question

The ability of a manager to punish an employee is ________ power.

A. referent
B. reward
C. expert
D. coercive

Answer 1

Coercive power pertains to the manager's ability to punish employees, which includes various forms of disciplinary action.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ability of a manager to punish an employee is coercive power. This type of power arises from the manager's ability to inflict punishments or consequences on employees, which can range from verbal reprimands to demotion, or even dismissal. An example of coercive power would be if an employee is consistently late, they may fear the repercussions from their manager, such as a formal warning or suspension. This form of power can enforce compliance, but it may also lead to a negative work environment if overused.