Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

Which type of power is obtained through expertise in a certain area?

1. Legitimate

2. Coercive

3. Expert

4. Physical

The correct answer is: Expert

The type of power obtained through expertise in a specific area is known as expert power. This form of power arises when an individual possesses knowledge, skills, or specialized information that others do not. People tend to respect and follow someone who has proven competence and experience in a particular field, making this form of power particularly effective in contexts where expertise is valued. Expert power can influence others' decisions and actions due to the trust and credibility that the expert commands. It is derived from the perception that the person has superior insight and understanding, making their guidance sought after in situations requiring critical thinking and specialized knowledge. In contrast, legitimate power stems from a position of authority or official status, coercive power is based on the ability to impose penalties or sanctions, and physical power relates to the use of physical strength or force. These other forms of power do not inherently depend on specialized knowledge or expertise, which distinguishes expert power as the correct answer in this context.