If others doubt a leader's power, what is likely to happen?

Enhance your understanding of the criminal justice system with our test on Motivation, Job Design, and Socialization. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

If others doubt a leader's power, what is likely to happen?

Explanation:
Authority relies on legitimacy and trust. When others doubt a leader's power, they question whether the leader truly has the right to direct, so willingness to follow declines and directives are less likely to be seen as legitimate. Without that perceived legitimacy, compliance erodes, obedience becomes erratic, and the leader’s influence weakens. This is why the most accurate outcome is that power diminishes due to a lack of legitimacy. Fear might produce brief obedience, but it doesn’t sustain real power; power won’t become unlimited, and doubt isn’t likely to make a leader more disinterested.

Authority relies on legitimacy and trust. When others doubt a leader's power, they question whether the leader truly has the right to direct, so willingness to follow declines and directives are less likely to be seen as legitimate. Without that perceived legitimacy, compliance erodes, obedience becomes erratic, and the leader’s influence weakens. This is why the most accurate outcome is that power diminishes due to a lack of legitimacy. Fear might produce brief obedience, but it doesn’t sustain real power; power won’t become unlimited, and doubt isn’t likely to make a leader more disinterested.

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