section_path: Theories/Five bases of power/Legitimate power
section_name: Legitimate power
paragraph_text: Legitimate power
  
  Also called "positional power", legitimate power is the power of an individual because of the relative position and duties of the holder of the position within an organization. Legitimate power is formal authority delegated to the holder of the position. It is usually accompanied by various attributes of power, such as a uniform, a title, or an imposing physical office.
  
  In simple terms, power can be expressed as being upward or downward. With downward power, a company 's superiors influence subordinates to attain organizational goals. When a company exhibits upward power, subordinates influence the decisions of their leader or leaders.