Which is a recognized source of power in organizations?

• A. Legitimate power
• B. Open-door policy
• C. Seniority
• D. Charisma

Answer: (A)

Power in organizations often comes from the position you hold within the structure. Legitimate power is the formal authority granted by your role, the title, and the hierarchy. People acknowledge and comply with it because the organization has set up rules and norms that back that authority. This makes it a recognized, official source of power.

The open-door policy is a management practice aimed at encouraging communication, not a source of formal power. Seniority reflects how long someone has been with the organization and often brings informal influence, but it isn’t the formal basis of power. Charisma is about personal appeal and the ability to influence others, but it isn’t a formal, recognized source of organizational power in the same way legitimate power is.

So, legitimate power is the recognized source.