What does coercive power primarily rely on?

Coercive power primarily relies on positional dominance and force because it is based on the ability of one individual or group to compel another to act in a certain way through the use of threats or punishment. This form of power is often associated with authority that comes from a position within an organization, where the person in authority has the means to enforce compliance through potential negative consequences. This might include disciplinary actions, legal consequences, or other forms of enforcement that instill fear or apprehension in others.

In contrast, charisma and personality traits pertain more to personal influence, while rewards and incentives are components of reward power, which promote compliance through positive outcomes. Expert knowledge relates to expert power, which is derived from a person’s skills and understanding rather than from coercion. Thus, positional dominance and the ability to impose sanctions are key elements that underlie coercive power.