Which type of power is characterized by a person being elected or appointed to a position of authority?

Legitimate power refers to the authority that an individual holds due to their formal position within an organization or society. This power comes from a title, role, or position that grants the person the right to make decisions and direct others. In the context of being elected or appointed, legitimate power is derived from a system of governance or organizational structure where others recognize and accept this authority based on established rules or norms.

Individuals with legitimate power can exercise authority and influence based on the trust and respect others have for their role. This type of power is crucial in organizational settings such as fire departments, where adherence to hierarchies and respect for leadership roles facilitate effective operation and decision-making.

The other types of power, while influential in their own right, derive authority from different sources: coercive power is based on the ability to punish or control through fear; expert power arises from specialized knowledge or skills; and referent power is related to personal attributes that make others want to follow or emulate someone. Each of these powers serves distinct functions, but legitimate power is specifically tied to one's position and the authority that comes with it.