Although most speech communication writers view coercion as negative, coercion is a legitimate form of influence used as often in open societies--and more often within organizations--as persuasion. Where coercion is the influence means of habit or choice, a clear conception of its nature will increase its effectiveness; and a clear conception will also help point to places where coercion should be constrained or supplanted by other forms of influence. A review and analysis of some of the influence forms presented by James T. Tedeschi and his colleagues in their studies of social influence processes can help develop the legitimacy and prevalence of coercion. Many interactions are coercive and resource-based, where the power to withhold or give tangible and intangible resources--expressed by implicit and explicit threats or promises--is the core of the relationship. Instead of expending time and energy in construction of euphemistic interpretations of the world, it is important to examine the realities, and recognize the nature of these coercive systems. (Eighteen references are appended.) (MM)