Types of Power (6 Types)

There are 6 types of power, as defined by French and Raven:

• Formal (legitimate)
• Referent
• Reward
• Expert
• Coercive
• Informational
• Connection

Coercion has a positive form (reward) and a negative form (shame, guilt or fear)

referent power is difficult because it's based on likeability and trust.

Understanding the types of power helps an individual have better power literacy in the groups they're a part of.

References

• MindTools - French and Raven's Five Forms of Power