The Characteristics of Power The exercise of power usually involves the use of force or threat.
The possession and application of power is not hierarchically structured, this means that power can be exercised by anybody as long as the person possesses the instrument of force or threat.
A person who exercises power is obeyed based on fear of sanctions or punishment for non-compliance which in most cases may be unpleasant or grievous.
The instrument of force, coercion or threat used at the instance of power application may be physical, economical, political or social in nature.
Power application creates two class differences in the society i.e. the possessor of the power and the recipient of the power applied.
