Which form of power is based on the ability of a manager to hold information that employees need?

The form of power based on the ability of a manager to hold information that employees need is known as expert power. This type of power arises from the perception that someone possesses knowledge, skills, or expertise that is valuable or critical to the organization and its members. When managers have specialized information that employees require to perform their tasks or make informed decisions, they gain influence and authority in the workplace.

Expert power relies heavily on trust and respect from employees; if team members believe in the manager's knowledge, they are more likely to seek guidance from them and follow their lead. This form of power can enhance collaboration and teamwork, fostering a supportive organizational culture. In healthcare settings, for instance, leaders may wield expert power by understanding complex regulations, treatment protocols, or technological systems, positively influencing their teams' performance and adherence to best practices.

The other types of power, such as reward power, coercive power, and legitimate power, each operate based on different dynamics. Reward power depends on the manager's capacity to provide incentives, coercive power is based on fear of punishment or negative consequences, and legitimate power stems from an individual's formal authority or position within the organization. Understanding these distinctions highlights the unique role of expert power as it relates to knowledge and information.