John was good with numbers, but he wasn't sure what he wanted to study in college. His senior year in high school he had a math teacher that he thought was awesome. Mr. Roury was the first mathematician that spoke to John on his level and got him really excited about numbers. John joined the Math Club to spend more time with Mr. Roury. John went on to study math and later engineering in college and today tells his kids that he owes his career to Mr. Roury. Mr. Roury exhibited ________ power over John.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mr. Roury had referent power over John because he was a role model and mentor that John admired and respected. Mr. Roury's influence was based on the personal relationship and connection he had with John, rather than any formal authority or reward system.

John Was Good with Numbers, but He Wasn't Sure What