The Powers of the Project Manager

Overview

This articles explores the different types of authority and influence that project managers can use to lead their teams and achieve project goals. These powers include formal authority (based on position) and interpersonal power (based on relationships). Understanding these powers helps project managers effectively motivate their team, make decisions, resolve conflicts, and navigate organizational dynamics. By recognizing and using these powers appropriately, project managers can enhance their leadership and drive project success.

Basic Forms of Power

A project manager can possess the following five basic forms of powers:

1. Legitimate (or Formal): The formal authority or power derived from the position. It is also known as Formal power. Team members perceive the project manager as being officially empowered to issue orders.
2. Reward: The power of directly or indirectly rewarding the team member. Rewards may be in the form of salary, promotion, bonus or better work assignments.
3. Penalty (or Coercive / Punishment): The power of directly or indirectly penalizing the team members. Penalty may be in the form of suspension, reprimand, unpleasant assignments etc. It is also known as Coercive power and Punishment power.
4. Expert: The power derived from special knowledge or expertise.
5. Referent (or Charisma): The power derived from personality traits or charisma. It is also known as Charisma power.

Positional Powers vs Personal Powers

Positional powers are derived from the position of the project manager. Legitimate, Reward and Penalty powers are positional powers.

Personal powers are derived from the knowledge, expertise or personality traits of the project manager. Expert and Referent powers are personal powers.

Managers rely on positional powers whereas leaders rely on personal powers. Refer to Management vs Leadership for more details.

Indirect Power

• A form of power derived from alliance or contacts with someone influential in the organization
• Also called Contacts/network power

Best Form of Power

The best form of power depends upon the situation and the maturity level of the project manager. Generally speaking, personal powers (Expert and Referent) are better than positional powers (Legitimate, Reward and Penalty).

Reference: The Powers of the Project Manager