What is a key characteristic of a coercive power base?

A key characteristic of a coercive power base is the capacity to take away privileges or rights. This type of power is fundamentally based on the ability to impose penalties or consequences on others, which can include withdrawing benefits, privileges, or rights that individuals may have. This creates a dynamic where the power holder can influence behavior through fear of negative outcomes.

In contrast, the other options represent different forms of power: the ability to distribute rewards relates to reward power, granting decision-making roles pertains to legitimate authority, and influence stemming from expertise is associated with expert power. Each of these options reflects a different mechanism through which power can be exercised, but they do not characterize coercive power, which specifically revolves around the potential for punishment or deprivation.