Power based on individual traits such as expertise or referent status is called what?

• A. Information power
• B. Position power
• C. Charismatic power
• D. Personal power

Answer: (D)

Power that comes from who you are rather than your official role is personal power. It arises from traits and attributes you possess, like expertise you’ve developed or the respect and admiration you earn from others (referent status). This distinguishes it from position power, which depends on your formal authority or job title. It also differs from information power, which comes from controlling access to important information. Charismatic power is a type of personal influence tied to charm or magnetism, but the broader category that includes both expertise and referent status is personal power. So, when influence stems from your own abilities or the regard people have for you, you’re exercising personal power.