Which of the following describes coercive power?

Coercive power is defined as the ability to influence others through the fear of negative consequences or punishment. This type of power often derives from an individual's capability to impose sanctions, disciplinary actions, or other forms of punishment on others if they do not comply with demands or expectations. This could be seen in various contexts, such as in workplaces where a manager might have the authority to issue reprimands or demotions.

In contrast, the other options reflect different forms of power: the ability to reward others pertains to reward power, which is based on the capacity to provide benefits or rewards; being perceived as caring relates to referent power, where individuals feel a personal connection or admiration for the person in power; possessing superior knowledge is related to expert power, which arises from having specialized skills or expertise that others do not. Each of these alternatives represents a distinct way of exerting influence, different from coercive power, which specifically involves punishment.