Which statement best describes reward power?

• A. Power based on knowledge, skills, or experience.
• B. Gaining compliance by offering incentives or rewards.
• C. Power based on the belief that someone has the right to make demands (perception-based).
• D. Power based on respect, admiration, or personal connection.

Answer: (B)

Reward power is influence that comes from the ability to grant or withhold valued rewards. When a supervisor can offer incentives like praise, recognition, favorable assignments, or pay bonuses, they can shape others’ behavior by promising or delivering those rewards in exchange for compliance or performance. This makes it different from knowing a lot (expert power), having formal authority to demand compliance (legitimate power), or earning admiration and respect (referent power). In practice, reward power can be effective for guiding actions in the short term, though it can have downsides if rewards feel controlling or undermine intrinsic motivation. In criminal justice settings, you might see it when overtime opportunities or special commendations are used to encourage team members to meet goals.