What type of power is coercive power a form of?

Coercive power is indeed a form of positional power. This type of power is grounded in the ability of a person to enforce compliance through threats or punishments. It is derived from the individual's position within an organization rather than from personal attributes or characteristics.

Individuals with positional power often hold roles that grant them authority over others, allowing them to impose sanctions or consequences for non-compliance. In essence, coercive power relies on the power dynamics present in a structured hierarchy, where the ability to influence others is linked directly to the individual's position and the authority that comes with it.

Personal power arises from an individual's personal attributes, such as charisma or expertise. Legitimate power is typically recognized authority, such as that given to someone through official titles or roles, but it doesn't inherently involve the use of coercion. Authority power is a broader term that could encompass various forms of power, but it doesn’t specify the coercive aspect which is unique to positional power. Therefore, identifying coercive power as a form of positional power helps clarify its nature and how it operates within organizational structures.