Which of the following is NOT one of the five types of power?

The correct answer identifies "Persuasive" as not being one of the five recognized types of power in organizational behavior and leadership theory. The traditional five types of power include legitimate, coercive, expert, reward, and referent power.

Legal power, often synonymous with legitimate power, refers to the authority granted to someone based on their position or role within an organization or society. Coercive power arises from the ability to impose penalties or consequences, which leads others to follow orders due to fear of punishment. Expert power is derived from possessing specialized knowledge or skills that others rely on, making the expert a valuable resource.

While persuasive abilities are important in leadership and influence, they do not fit neatly into these established categories of power, as they typically refer to the capacity to convince and influence others through communication rather than a formalized source of authority or influence. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the dynamics of power in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of legitimate sources and consequences over mere persuasion.