How do expert power and legitimate power differ?

How do expert power and legitimate power differ?

• A. Based on Age
• B. Based on Rank
• C. Based on Knowledge and Competence
• D. Based on Wealth

Answer: (C)

The difference rests on where influence comes from. Expert power comes from knowledge, skills, and competence—people trust and follow someone because of what they know and can do. Legitimate power comes from a formal position or rank within the organization—the authority granted by that role. So describing the difference as based on knowledge and competence highlights the source of expert power and sets it apart from the authority tied to one’s rank. Age or wealth aren’t the bases for these power types, and while rank relates to legitimate power, it doesn’t capture the knowledge-driven basis of expert power.

The difference rests on where influence comes from. Expert power comes from knowledge, skills, and competence—people trust and follow someone because of what they know and can do. Legitimate power comes from a formal position or rank within the organization—the authority granted by that role. So describing the difference as based on knowledge and competence highlights the source of expert power and sets it apart from the authority tied to one’s rank. Age or wealth aren’t the bases for these power types, and while rank relates to legitimate power, it doesn’t capture the knowledge-driven basis of expert power.