Power is the potential for exerting influence because it is the basis for influencing the environment for public policy. The power that is used by entities is used to exert influence in the public pol

Power is the potential for exerting influence because it is the basis for influencing the environment for public policy. The power that is used by entities is used to exert influence in the public policy environments and this derives from positional power, expert power, or reward or coercive power. Positional power is based on where the organization’s place is and what role they play within a society that is larger (Influence A Matter of Power and Influence, 2018). Organizations and groups have a certain power or have a potential on how they exert their influence all because they exist, and they are recognized to be participants in the marketplace for policies.

Reward or coercive power is based on the organization’s capacity to reward any compliance or to punish any noncompliance with the preferred actions, behaviors, and decisions provided by the policymakers. These rewards can be withheld or provided by the organizations and this may include money that is in the form of a campaign contribution or any other form of political support by those who participate in the organization (Influence A Matter of Power and Influence, 2018). 

Expert power is based on the organization’s expertise or any information that is valued by others. When organizations are looking and wanting to exert their influence in the public policy environment, useful information and expertise can be a clarification to the problems or have a development of their solutions. 

The degree of influence an organization has can vary from one to another and it is important when it comes to having a relative amount of power to determine their influence. The reputation of an organization is also important as they exert their influence ethically and effectively