PM Test Center

Donna tells you she is extremely happy that her work was finally noticed. Her project manager sent a note to Donna’s manager about how wonderful her performance on the last project was. As a result, Donna was named Team Member of the Month for her department and received a gift card. In this example, the project manager exercised what type of power?

A. Formal
B. Reward
C. Expert
D. Recommendation

Answer: B. Reward
Reward power, one of the best forms of power, is when the project manager provides a reward for good performance. This can come in many forms, including accolades and gifts. The other types are formal, penalty, expert, and referent.

Steven, the assigned project manager, was given authority by his sponsor to not only staff resources to his team but also manage the team on a day-to-day basis. He decides that he will leverage his title and position to motivate his team to follow his lead. This is an example of what type of power?

A. Expert
B. Sponsorship
C. Leader
D. Formal

Answer: D. Formal
Formal, aka legitimate, is a project management power that is based solely on position; it is not one of the best forms of power. The other types are reward, penalty, expert, and referent.