Legitimate Power

Usually, we wouldn’t let someone stop us in the street and search through our bag. In airports, however, the story changes. We allow security guards to search through our bags and pockets, tell us where to go, and even to stop us from getting on the plane. Why do we think they’re allowed to act like this?

This is a form of legitimate power. Power in any instance involves one individual changing their actions or beliefs because of another individual’s actions. In cases of legitimate power, we change our actions or beliefs because we believe the other person has legitimate authority over us.¹ This authority is based on the position or status of the person. Airport security guards get to tell us what to do in the airport precisely because they’re airport security guards.

Legitimate power can be found at all levels of society. On one hand, presidents and monarchs wield legitimate power supported by legal systems and police forces. On the other hand, a high school volleyball coach holds legitimate power over members of the team. Even CEOs, military officers and directors all exercise legitimate power over others in order to achieve their goals.

At its core, legitimate power relates to hierarchies.¹ When someone is above us in a hierarchy, their position allows them to tell us what to do. This, in turn, gives those lower in the ladder good reason to follow along. Importantly, an individual holds legitimate power in virtue of their position, as opposed to any distinct personal qualities.