Which type of project authority is based on comprehensive respect for a manager's knowledge and leadership abilities, even if the manager is not a subject matter expert?

• A. Reverent
• B. Charismatic
• C. Expert
• D. Referent

Answer: (A)

Authority that comes from how others view the manager as a person—trust, respect, and willingness to follow—gives influence even when the manager isn’t the subject matter expert. This is reverent (referent) power: people are drawn to the leader because of their character and leadership style, not because they have technical mastery. The manager’s knowledge and guidance are respected, so followers align with their decisions based on that personal regard. In contrast, expert power would depend on actual technical know-how, while charismatic power hinges more on personal charm and inspiration, and formal authority comes from the position rather than personal regard.