What term describes a subordinate's perception of their supervisor's authority to administer discipline?

The term that best describes a subordinate's perception of their supervisor's authority to administer discipline is coercive/punishment power. This type of power arises from the ability of a supervisor to enforce consequences or administer discipline when an employee does not meet performance standards or adheres to rules. It is rooted in the potential of the supervisor to impose penalties, which can include formal disciplinary actions such as reprimands, suspension, or termination.

Coercive power relies on the fear of negative consequences to motivate compliance from subordinates. When an employee recognizes that their supervisor has the authority to administer discipline, it creates a dynamic where they may be more likely to follow policies and procedures to avoid adverse outcomes.

In contrast, other types of power, like reward power, legitimate power, and expert power, do not specifically address the disciplinary context. Reward power pertains to the ability to provide positive reinforcement or incentives for good performance, legitimate power is based on the supervisor's official position and authority, and expert power relies on the supervisor’s knowledge and skills. Each of these forms of power influences behavior, but they do not specifically address the disciplinary authority aspect that coercive/punishment power entails.