Power refers to the capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B complies with A’s wishes. Someone can thus have power but not use it; it is a capacity or potential. Probably the most important aspect of power is that it is a function of dependence. The greater B’s dependence on A, the greater A’s power in the relationship. Money is a powerful variable for dependence.

Leaders use power as a means of attaining group goals. Power does not require goal compatibility, just dependence. Leadership, on the other hand, requires some congruence between the goals of the leader and those being led. Leadership research focuses on the downward influence on followers. It minimizes the importance of lateral and upward influence patterns. Power research takes all factors into consideration. Leadership concentrates on the individual leader’s influence, while the study of power acknowledges that groups as well as individuals can use power to control other individuals or groups.

You may have noted that, for a power situation to exist, one person or group needs to have control over resources that the other person or group values. This is usually the case in established leadership situations. However, power relationships are possible in all areas, and power can be obtained in many ways.