Chapter 8: Power and Politics

Question 1

Define Power

Answer 1

The capacity that A has to influence the behaviour of B, so that B acts in
accordance with A’s wishes
- Function of dependence where the greater one’s dependence on another is, the
greater the power the other has
- One can have power without imposing it

Question 2

What are the 2 bases of power?

Answer 2

formal and personal

Question 3

What is formal power? What are the 6 types?

Answer 3

based on an individual’s position in an organization and can come from
the ability to coerce or reward, or from formal authority
a) coercive power
b) reward power
c) legitimate power
d) expert power
e) referent power
f) informational power

Question 4

Formal Power: What is coercive power?

Answer 4

Dependent on fear of negative results that might occur if one fails to
comply, resting on the application, or threat of:
- Infliction of pain
- Generation of frustration through restriction of movement
- Controlling by force of basic physiological or safety needs

Question 5

Formal Power: What is reward power?

Answer 5

Opposite of coercion, achieving compliance of wishes or directives
based on ability to distribute rewards viewed as valuable or produces positive benefits
- Financial such as pay rate, raises, and bonuses
- Non-financial such as recognition, interesting work assignments, friendly
colleagues, preferred work shifts, or etc.

Question 6

Formal Power: What is legitimate power?

Answer 6

Received as a result of position in formal hierarchy of an
organization, specifically, includes acceptance by members of an organization in the
authority the position

Question 7

Formal Power: What is expert power?

Answer 7

influence based on expertise, special skills or knowledge

Question 8

Personal Power: What is referent power?

Answer 8

Developed out of administration of another and desire to be like
that person
- Includes characteristic dynamism, likability, and emotional effects

Question 9

Personal Power: What is informational power?

Answer 9

Possessing knowledge that others need or want to bring about

change through the resource of information

Question 10

What are the 3 responses to the bases of power?

Answer 10

• Commitment: Enthusiasm about the request, and shows initiative and persistence in
  carrying it out (ie. expert or reference)
• Compliance: Going along with request grudgingly, putting in minimal effort, and
  taking little initiative in carrying out request (ie. reward or legitimate)
• Opposed to the request and tries to avoid it with such tactics such as
  refusing, stalling, or arguing (ie. coercive)

Question 11

What creates dependence? (3)

Answer 11

When these three resources are controlled:
a) Important: Perception of importance, where what is important is situational and varies
among organizations and over time
b) Scarce: Perception of scarcity, where one is dependent on something another has
c) Non-substitutability: The fewer substitutes, the more power comes from control where
for example, those professors who have fewer publications have lower mobility and thus
subject to greater influence from superiors

Question 12

What are the 9 influence tactics used to translate power into specific actions?

Answer 12

1. Rational Persuasion: Using facts and data to make a logical or rational presentation of
   ideas
2. Inspirational Appeals: Appealing to alues, ideals, and goals when making a request
3. Consultation: Getting others involved to support one’s objectives
4. Ingratiation: Using flattery, creating goodwill, and being friendly prior to making a request
5. Personal Appeals: Appealing to loyalty and friendship when asking for something
6. Exchange: Offering favours or benefits in exchange for support
7. Coalitions: Getting the support of other people to provide backing when making a request
8. Pressure: Using demands, threats, and reminders to get someone to do something
9. Legitimacy: Claiming the authority or right to make a request, or showing that it
   supports organizational goals or practices

Question 13

What is empowerment?

Answer 13

Freedom and ability of employees to make decisions and commitments

Question 14

What are four characteristics empowered people have in common?

Answer 14

• Self-Determination: Feeling of freedom to choose how to do their work; not micromanaged
• Meaning: Feeling that their work is important to them; care about what they are
  doing
• Competence: Feeling confident about their ability to do their work well; knowing they
  can perform
• Impact: Belief that they can have influence on their work unit; others listen to their
  ideas

Question 15

According to Ondrack, what are the four conditions that need to be met for employees to be empowered?

Answer 15

• Clear definition of the values and mission of the company
• Company must help employees acquire the relevant skills
• Employees need to be supported in their decision making, and not criticized when
  trying to do something extraordinary
• Employees need to be recognized for their efforts

Question 16

What is political behavior?

Answer 16

Activities that are outside one’s formal role and that influence, or
attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the
organization

Question 17

What are types of political activities?

Answer 17

• Attacking or Blaming Others: Used when trying to avoid responsibility for failure
• Using Information Withholding or distorting information, particularly to hide negative
  information
• Managing Impressions: Bringing positive attention to oneself or taking credit for
  positive accomplishments of others
• Building Support for Ideas: Making sure that others will support one’s ideas before
  they are presented
• Praising Others: Making important people feel good
• Building Coalitions: Joining with other people to create a powerful group
• Associating with Influential People: Building support networks
• Creating Obligations: Doing favours for others so they will owe you favours later

Question 18

What is impression management?

Answer 18

Process by which individuals attempt to control the impression
others form of them

Question 19

What are the 3 conditions for political behaviour?

Answer 19

• scarce resources (reallocation of resources and promotion opportunities)
• differences in values (conflicts over priorities and conflict over procedures)
• complex and ambiguous rules (role ambiguity and unclear performance evaluation)