As a domain expert in the field of organizational behavior and leadership, I am delighted to delve into the concept of referent power. Referent power, a term coined by John R. P. French and Bertram Raven in their study of social power bases, is an intrinsically human form of influence that stems from the personal relationships and bonds that a leader establishes with their followers.

Referent power is a type of social power that is based on the emotional connection and mutual respect between the leader and the followers. It is the power that arises from the leader's ability to be liked, admired, and respected by their followers. This form of power is not imposed but is rather earned through the leader's behavior, character, and the positive impact they have on the lives of their followers.

One of the most significant aspects of referent power is that it is voluntary. Followers choose to follow the leader not because they have to, but because they want to. This is a stark contrast to other forms of power such as coercive power, which is based on fear and punishment, or reward power, which is based on the promise of rewards for compliance.

A leader with referent power often exhibits several key characteristics that contribute to their influence:


1. Empathy: They understand and share the feelings of their followers, which helps in building trust and rapport.

2. Integrity: They are honest, ethical, and consistent in their actions, which inspires confidence and respect.

3. Humility: They do not seek the limelight for themselves but are willing to share credit and acknowledge the contributions of others.

4. Generosity: They are willing to invest time and resources in their followers' development and well-being.

5. Positive Attitude: They maintain an optimistic outlook and inspire their followers to overcome challenges.

An example of referent power can be seen in the leadership style of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs was known for his vision, creativity, and the ability to inspire his team to think differently and push the boundaries of what was possible. His followers were not just employees; they were passionate believers in the mission and vision of Apple. Jobs did not rely on traditional hierarchical power to lead; instead, he earned the respect and admiration of his team through his innovative spirit and the shared goal of creating products that would change the world.

Another example can be drawn from the world of sports, with Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager of Manchester United Football Club. Sir Alex was revered for his ability to motivate players, instill a winning mentality, and create a culture of excellence within the team. His players respected him not just because of his achievements but because of the personal connections he made with each one of them. He cared for their development both on and off the field, which in turn made them want to perform at their best for him.

In both examples, the leaders did not use their position or authority to compel obedience; rather, they inspired loyalty and commitment through their personal qualities and the relationships they built with their followers. This is the essence of referent power.

In conclusion, referent power is a powerful and enduring form of influence that is based on the leader's ability to earn the respect, admiration, and affection of their followers. It is a testament to the leader's character and the positive impact they have on the lives of those they lead. Leaders with referent power are often remembered not just for their achievements but for the way they touched the lives of their followers and inspired them to be their best selves.

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Definition of Referent Power. Referent power in leadership is the ability of a leader to cultivate the respect and admiration of his followers in such a way that they wish to be like him. In other words, referent power is leading by example.read more >>