Providing or withholding knowledge that others do not have exhibits what type of power?

The correct answer is grounded in the concept of how knowledge translates into influence and authority in various contexts. Informational power stems from possessing knowledge that others do not, allowing an individual to control the flow of that information. This type of power highlights the importance of access to information and expertise, particularly in environments where decision-making relies heavily on specialized knowledge.

When someone has crucial information that others lack, they can influence others’ actions and decisions significantly because their insights are valuable and often necessary for making informed choices. This power can be especially prominent in leadership and organizational roles, where sharing knowledge can facilitate collaboration, or conversely, withholding it can restrain action.

Other types of power, such as coercive, referent, and legitimate, stem from different sources. Coercive power is based on the ability to impose penalties or exert force; referent power comes from others’ desire to emulate or be associated with an individual; and legitimate power arises from a recognized position or role within an organization. While all these forms of power play significant roles in different contexts, the unique ability to leverage information as a source of influence clearly aligns with the definition of informational power.