Coercive power

Definition

Coercive power is the ability of a leader to enforce obedience or compliance through the threat of punishment or negative consequences. It relies on fear as a motivator rather than persuasion or positive reinforcement.

Related terms

Authority: The legitimate right given to a person or role within an organization to make decisions, allocate resources, and tell others what to do.

Reinforcement Theory: A theory that focuses on how patterns of reward, punishment, and non-reinforcement affect behavior and motivation.

Leadership Styles: Various approaches to leadership that range from authoritative and coercive to democratic and laissez-faire, influencing how leaders motivate their teams