This is the opposite of reward power
because this power is based
on the leader having control over what happens if followers do not act as required. If
followers do not undertake the
action required, the leader will impose a penalty. Penalties take a variety of forms including
withdrawal of priviledges, job losses,
verbal abuse, and delayed or loss of promotion.
In all cases the leader will need to
choose the penalty carefully to
prevent breaking the law or being the subject of an employment tribunal.
Coercive Power