Which type of power relies on the ability of a person to provide rewards?

Reward power is based on the ability of an individual to provide rewards or benefits to others. This can include tangible rewards such as monetary bonuses, promotions, or other forms of recognition, as well as intangible rewards like praise or approval. It is a form of influence where the person wielding this power can motivate others to act or behave in a certain way, knowing that positive outcomes can be attained through their compliance.

In a communication context, understanding reward power is crucial because it shows how leaders or individuals can effectively encourage collaboration, motivate team members, and enhance performance by offering incentives. The effectiveness of reward power often hinges on the perceived value of the reward and the relationship between the power holder and those influenced.

Other types of power, such as expert power, referent power, or punishment power, operate on different principles and do not inherently involve the provision of rewards as their core mechanism for influence.