What type of power is characterized by followers obeying leaders due to fear of punishment?

Coercive power is defined as the ability of a leader to influence their followers through the use of threats and punishment. When followers obey a leader primarily out of fear of negative consequences, such as reprimands, demotions, or even termination, they are responding to coercive power. This type of influence is based on the leader's capacity to control resources and impose sanctions, which drives compliance among followers who seek to avoid these punishments.

Other types of power, like referent power, rely on the personal characteristics and appeal of the leader, while legitimate power is based on the recognized authority the leader holds within an organization. Expert power stems from the leader's superior knowledge or skills in a specific area. In contrast to coercive power, these other forms do not depend on fear as a motivator for obedience.