Expert power
Expert power is the ability to influence through special expertise. It is the capacity to influence the behaviour of other people because they recognise your knowledge, understanding and skills. Expertise derives from the possession of technical know-how or information pertinent to the issue at hand. This is developed by acquiring relevant skills or competencies or by gaining a central position in relevant information networks. It is maintained by protecting your credibility and not overstepping the boundaries of true understanding. When a manager uses expert power, the implied message is, ‘You should do what I want because of my special expertise or information’.