Question

Power Bases

Select a certain power base (reward, coercive, expert or referent), and explain how you have witnessed its use and the extent to which it was effective.

Answer 1

Power Bases: We would like to select one of the power base form the given options as Reward Power

Reward Power: It is defined as the power base, which is reflecting in an individual based on the reward they have received. Thus it shows the power of reward in an individual. By giving the reward to an individual, he will feel energetic and assumes that he got a power in him post the reward receipts.

Witnessed Use of Reward Power: We have seen many situations of witnessing the use of reward power in our society and professional atmosphere. Like the examples teacher provides trophy to high performing student. It’s a reward power used by the teacher to express his feeling for the hardwork of the student. Parents give sweets to their children upon getting high marks in tests/exams. Thus parents use their reward power to motivate the student.

Extent to which Reward Power was effective: IT is true that the reward power is effective. The reward power motivates the individual and he delivers the best result. The individual can even do better than the best he had performed in his past, if he receives the proper rewards for his good contributions. So we can say that reward power is generally effective in almost all the cases.

The reason for effectiveness of the reward power is that rewards had got a very good image in the society. Reward promotes the good behavior of people and well supported by the society in motivating them continuously.