What do you think is the most important source of power: personal, relationships or position? Explain and provide an example.

There are many different theories of power and many ways in which power operates in our society. I don't think there is any one single source of power, but rather different types of power that exist in different contexts.

The first distinction I would make is between hard or coercive power and soft or persuasive power. Hard power can be personal, as in the case of a schoolyard bully who uses physical strength to coerce...

There are many different theories of power and many ways in which power operates in our society. I don't think there is any one single source of power, but rather different types of power that exist in different contexts.

The first distinction I would make is between hard or coercive power and soft or persuasive power. Hard power can be personal, as in the case of a schoolyard bully who uses physical strength to coerce others or positional, as in the case of a Roman emperor such as Nero or the current North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un who use command of military forces to coerce others. Soft power can be derived from a charismatic personality, intellect, or ability to entertain. The United States, as well as having military hard power, has a disproportionate impact on world affairs via the popularity of Hollywood, for example. 

In some situation, relationships are important. This can operate in a direct manner, as in the case of nepotism in corporations or tribalism in African politics, or more indirectly in that people with extended social networks can draw on a wider range of support and influence than people with more limited networks.