The application of power by legitimate authority, economic sanctions, or political clout to effect change is associated with which strategy?

• A. Rational justification
• B. Normative peer pressure
• C. Power-Coercive strategies
• D. Collaborative negotiation

Answer: (C)

This involves leveraging power to compel change. Power-coercive strategies rely on using legitimate authority, economic sanctions, or political clout to force adherence or prompt a response. They’re about imposing consequences to achieve the desired outcome, rather than convincing someone through reasoning or appealing to norms or collaboration. This differs from rational justification, which persuades with data and logic; normative peer pressure, which nudges behavior by social expectations; and collaborative negotiation, which seeks mutual agreement through dialogue and shared problem-solving. Power-coercive approaches can yield quick compliance but may also generate resistance or ethical concerns if overused.