Conclusion: Female Leaders Using Coercive Power Motivate Subordinates

Abstract

This manuscript advances prior research (Blau, 1964; Elangovan & Xie, 1999; French & Raven, 1959; Goodstadt & Hjelle, 1973; Hegtvedt, 1988; Randolph & Kemery, 2011; Zigarmi, Peyton Roberts, & Randolph, 2015) and capitalizes on supervisory skills using power dynamics within the workplace, by investigating employee effort resulting from gender dissimilar supervisor-employee dyads and employee locus of control. To offer a more focused approach, this is an evaluation specifically on reward and coercive power derived from French and Raven’s (1959) five power bases. This manuscript proposes that the motivation levels of employees change, based on their locus of control and gender. There were 155 full-time professionals surveyed, this study concluded a positive relationship between the use of reward power and employee effort. Notably, the supplemental analysis indicated a positive relationship between female supervisors who exhibited coercive power and greater employee effort.