What strategy assumes that people will follow authority figures and comply with directives?

The correct choice focuses on the Power-coercive strategy, which is rooted in the concept that authority and the ability to enforce compliance can significantly influence behavior. This strategy operates under the assumption that individuals are more likely to adhere to directives when they perceive a power imbalance; that is, they see the authority figure as being in a superior position, with the capacity to reward or punish based on compliance or noncompliance.

In practical terms, this approach might involve leveraging organizational rules, expectations, or threats of consequences to ensure adherence to directives. It rests on the idea that people will choose to follow orders from someone they deem as an authority out of fear of repercussions or for the hope of receiving rewards, rather than from personal conviction or motivation to willingly support an initiative.

Understanding this strategy is crucial in leadership and change management because it highlights a more traditional view of power dynamics within organizations, contrasting with other strategies that prioritize collaboration or intrinsic motivation among team members. The other strategies—empirical-rational, normative-re-educative, and positive principle—focus more on influencing change through logic, cultural norms, or positivity rather than the direct exertion of authority.