Bases of power
Abstract: A study examined the relationships
among subordinate perceptions of supervisory (leader) reinforcement bahaviors
(contingent and noncontingent
reward and punishment behavior) and
the 5 French and Raven (1959) bases of power (reward, coercive, legitimate,
expert, and referent power). Based upon
the literature, 5 sets of hypothesized relationships were developed, relating
the perceived power bases to the perceived reward and punishment behaviors.
Bivariate correlation, stepwise multiple
regression, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed
on data obtained from surveys conducted in 2
large samples. The results supported the positive effects of subordinate-perceived
supervisor contingent reward and punishment behavior and the negative
effects of noncontingent punishment
on subordinate perceptions of their supervisor's power. Not supported were
the moderating effects of time spent in
interaction or time under the direction
of the supervisor on these relationships.
