As explained by Robbins and Judge, power is an individuals’ ability to control the
activities of other individuals. Leadership, on the other hand, is a person’s ability to inspire other
individuals to follow instructions willingly and complete tasks without having to exercise any
form of force (Robbins & Judge, 208). Leadership focuses on goals achievement, focuses
influence downward, and requires goals to be compatible with followers. Contrarily, power is
used as a means for goal achievement, power is used to gain upward and lateral influence, and
power requires dependency from followers.
Robbins and Judge divide the bases of power into two groups: Personal and Formal.
Formal Power is the result of a person’s hierarchical position in a company. Formal power has
three bases:
(1) Coercive Power – This is a power base that depends on individuals’ fear of failing (Robbins
