Coercive power is demonstrated by which mechanism?

• A. Gaining compliance through punishment or threats.
• B. Gaining compliance by offering incentives or rewards.
• C. Power based on the belief that someone has the right to make demands.
• D. Power based on respect, admiration, or personal connection.

Answer: (A)

Coercive power is the ability to influence others by creating fear of punishment or penalties for noncompliance. When compliance is driven by the threat of negative consequences, the mechanism at work is coercion—people do what is asked to avoid punishment. This distinguishes it from other forms of power: rewards rely on incentives to gain agreement, legitimate power rests on a formal right to demand compliance, and referent power comes from respect or personal admiration. Coercive power can be effective for immediate compliance, but it often harms trust and long-term motivation if relied on too heavily.