Question
Say you are a medium-sized manufacturer of car entertainment system (including Sat Nav, Apple Car Play, Music, etc.). Your supplier is to sell components that enhances the function of your entertainment system , such as real-time traffic condition and alerting drivers of dange on roads. The power this supplier has over you is: legal referent expert coercive
Answer
4.6
(173 Votes)
Ellis
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
C
Explanation
This question relates to the concept of power dynamic between two entities, particularly in a business supplier-buyer relationship. In this scenario, the supplier is selling components that add extra functionalities to the 'manufacturer's car entertainment system. These real-time enhancements, which are significant to the product's overall functionality, show that the supplier has some sort of power over the manufacturer. The question wants us to identify the type of power dynamic being portrayed. The types of power we have in the answer options are 1) legal: this is established by law or contract, 2) referent: power that comes from being admired or respected, 3) coercive: power that relies on the threat of force, and 4) expert: acquired from having superior skills or knowledge in a particular area. In our case, the supplier does not rely on lawful authority, potential threats or being admired to dictate terms on the manufacturer. Instead, they apply their critical competent edge related to the improvement of the product, thereby fitting into the expert power type.