Which is an example of reward power?

• A. A correctional officer threatens disciplinary action if inmates don't follow rules.
• B. A supervisor offers extra time off for meeting goals.
• C. An employee ignores a manager because they don't believe the manager has real authority.
• D. Officers follow a leader because they respect and admire them.

Answer: (B)

Reward power is the ability to influence others by giving them desirable outcomes in response to certain behaviors. Offering extra time off for meeting goals is a clear example because it ties a valued benefit to performance and the person has the authority to grant that benefit to motivate follow-through. The other scenarios illustrate different kinds of influence: using disciplinary threats shows coercive power; following a leader out of respect demonstrates referent power; and acting independently due to distrust signals a break in perceived authority. So the scenario with extra time off best demonstrates reward power.