How is designated power typically acquired?

Designated power is typically acquired by being appointed or elected to a position, which establishes an individual’s authority and role within an organization or group. This form of power is formal and recognized by others, as it comes from a legitimate source, such as an organizational hierarchy or democratic process. Individuals who occupy positions of leadership, such as managers, team leaders, or elected officials, obtain their power not through personal influence or expertise but through a structured process of selection, highlighting the importance of established systems in granting authority. Hence, the appointment or election legitimizes their power and facilitates their ability to lead and make decisions on behalf of others.

Other options, while they may contribute to personal influence or status within a group, do not reflect the formal process through which designated power is acquired.