what is coercive power

Coercive power is a type of power that employs the use of force, threats, and other forms of coercion to stimulate an involuntary response. It involves compelling a party to act in a way that violates their free will by using threats, including threats to use force against that party. Coercion can involve not only the infliction of bodily harm but also psychological abuse, which is intended to enhance the perceived credibility of the threat. Coercive power can be used in various settings, including government, law enforcement, and organizations. It is considered a harsh form of power and can lead to decreased trust, cooperation, and motivation. Coercive power is the opposite of reward power, which encourages results with rewards.