ABSTRACT
Sociologists have analyzed power both in terms of an individual’s attributes and a “system resource” or an inherent “property of a relation.” Strength of character, integrity, charisma, athletic ability, and positive physical attributes such as beauty or good looks are all potential sources of power. The sources of power available to individuals vary across cultures, subcultures, and interest groups. Every society or mini-culture places high value on specific personality traits or achievements of its members; thus, individuals with these traits have considerable influence or power within that group. People have the tendency to deify their heroes and leaders. This idealization holds true even when leaders do not exhibit positive ethical qualities and have a negative influence on their supporters and society at large. People who possess personal power are independent rather than pseudoindependent or overly dependent on others. Personal power is essentially strength of character and integrity.
