University of Central Florida (UCF) MAR3023 Marketing Practice Exam 4

The correct answer is expertise power, which is derived from an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience in a particular field. In the context of marketing a supplier's products, expertise power indicates that a person possesses specialized information and proficiency that can influence others in the decision-making process. This form of power is particularly impactful because it fosters trust and credibility; other members of the organization or potential clients are likely to rely on the insights of someone recognized for their marketing acumen to guide their choices regarding products or strategies.

This differs from legitimate power, which is authority granted by a position within an organization, making it less about personal knowledge and more about the hierarchical structure. Coercive power relies on fear or the ability to impose sanctions, and it is not based on professional knowledge. Information power, while it does involve having strategic insights or data, does not emphasize the specialized skill set or the experience that someone with expertise power possesses. Thus, expertise power is the best fit for describing influence that stems from knowledge and experience in marketing a supplier's products.