Which type of power involves the ability to provide rewards?

The type of power that involves the ability to provide rewards is known as reward power. This form of power is derived from an individual's capacity to offer incentives that can motivate or influence others to achieve desired outcomes. In leadership and management contexts, reward power is particularly effective because it encourages positive behavior and performance through recognition, bonuses, promotions, or other tangible rewards that individuals find valuable. When leaders utilize reward power effectively, they can enhance team morale, increase productivity, and foster a collaborative work environment, as people are more inclined to work towards a mutual goal when they see prospective benefits.

Coercive power, in contrast, relies on the threat of punishment to influence behavior, while expert power is grounded in the skills, knowledge, and expertise an individual possesses. Legitimate power stems from an individual's formal position within an organization or system, which grants them authority. Each of these other forms of power has its own context and application but does not primarily focus on the ability to provide rewards.