Induction motor power factor

There might be some confusion about leading and lagging power factor. For an induction motor, positive current is defined as flowing into the positive terminal of the motor. Therefore, by definition, lagging power factor for a motor (or any load for that matter) is inductive (looks like an inductor). Leading power factor for a motor is capacitive (looks like a capacitor).

For an induction generator (or any generator), positive current is defined as flowing out of (away from) the positive terminal of the generator. Therefore, for a generator, lagging power factor is capacitive. Leading power factor for a generator is inductive.

Whether an induction machine can act as a motor or a generator is a function of the mechanical input to the machine. If the mechanical input is positive and the machine is spinning at a speed greater than synchronous, the machine will act like a generator. If the mechanical input is negative and the machine is spinning at a speed that is less than synchronous, the machine will act like a motor.

A motor Induction is an RX load, resistive-inductive, where the inductive part is the inductive reactance, X = WL which is responsible for producing the magnetic flux gives rise to torque, that is, is a load lagging power factor, see any book on Electrical Machines and needs therefore requires low power factor and lag to work.