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Power and Influence: A Managerial Thrill Ride
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Nina Gomez, what are your thoughts? Do you think the coaster needs to be shut down pending some sort of repairs?
Narrator
Before you answer Kevin, let’s identify what source of power you have in this situation. Keep in mind you, as a Park Engineer, and Kevin both report to Selena. Which of the following is most likely your primary source of power?
Inferno
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Norrator Before you answer Kevin, what source of power situation. Keep in mind you, Engineer, and Kevin both Which of the following is primary source of power?
Reward
Coercive
Legitimate
Expert
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The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer in this scenario is Expert Power.
Explanation :
In the given scenario, Nina Gomez is the Park Engineer, a position that implies specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise related to the structural integrity and safety of the park’s rides. Among the sources of power listed—Reward, Coercive, Legitimate, and Expert—Expert Power is the most relevant because it arises from one’s ability to influence others through their knowledge and expertise in a specific area.
As a Park Engineer, Nina holds the technical know-how required to assess the safety and functionality of the coaster. Her role gives her credibility and authority to make informed decisions about whether the ride needs to be shut down or repaired. This expertise positions her as a trusted advisor in the situation, especially since both she and Kevin report to Selena, their superior. In this context, Kevin, or even Selena, may defer to Nina’s recommendations because of her specialized skills and the weight of her professional judgment.
This situation also highlights how Expert Power can lead to influence without the need for formal authority. Unlike Legitimate Power, which stems from a formal position or title, or Coercive and Reward Power, which involve the ability to punish or incentivize behavior, Expert Power is rooted in the trust and confidence that others place in one’s competence. Nina’s influence is not dependent on hierarchy but rather on her ability to assess the ride’s condition and propose solutions grounded in her technical knowledge.
In summary, Nina’s role as Park Engineer directly aligns with Expert Power because her knowledge is central to the decision-making process regarding the safety and operation of the coaster. Her ability to use this power effectively will ensure that the park prioritizes safety and maintains operational standards.