Which power base is derived from formal authority and is often associated with professional organizations guiding practice?

Which power base is derived from formal authority and is often associated with professional organizations guiding practice?

• A. Legitimate Power
• B. Collective Power
• C. Referent Power
• D. Expert Power

Answer: (A)

Legitimate power comes from the formal position and authority granted by an organization. In nursing, this means the role you hold—such as a manager, supervisor, or a position within a regulatory or professional body—gives you the authority to direct practice, enforce policies, and make decisions because the role itself carries that right. Professional organizations and licensing boards help define standards and guidelines that guide practice, reinforcing this power base. This differs from expert power, which stems from specialized knowledge; referent power, which comes from personal charisma or respect; and collective power, which arises from group influence rather than a formal role.

Legitimate power comes from the formal position and authority granted by an organization. In nursing, this means the role you hold—such as a manager, supervisor, or a position within a regulatory or professional body—gives you the authority to direct practice, enforce policies, and make decisions because the role itself carries that right. Professional organizations and licensing boards help define standards and guidelines that guide practice, reinforcing this power base.

This differs from expert power, which stems from specialized knowledge; referent power, which comes from personal charisma or respect; and collective power, which arises from group influence rather than a formal role.