Chapter 8: Power and Politics Flashcards
Define Power
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
What are the 2 bases of power?
formal and personal
What is formal power? What are the 6 types?
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
Formal Power: What is coercive power?
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
Formal Power: What is reward power?
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.
Formal Power: What is legitimate power?
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
Formal Power: What is expert power?
influence based on expertise, special skills or knowledge
Personal Power: What is referent power?
Developed out of administration of another and desire to be like
that person
- Includes characteristic dynamism, likability, and emotional effects
Personal Power: What is informational power?
Possessing knowledge that others need or want to bring about
change through the resource of information
What are the 3 responses to the bases of power?
- 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)
What creates dependence? (3)
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
What are the 9 influence tactics used to translate power into specific actions?
- Rational Persuasion: Using facts and data to make a logical or rational presentation of
ideas - Inspirational Appeals: Appealing to alues, ideals, and goals when making a request
- Consultation: Getting others involved to support one’s objectives
- Ingratiation: Using flattery, creating goodwill, and being friendly prior to making a request
- Personal Appeals: Appealing to loyalty and friendship when asking for something
- Exchange: Offering favours or benefits in exchange for support
- Coalitions: Getting the support of other people to provide backing when making a request
- Pressure: Using demands, threats, and reminders to get someone to do something
- Legitimacy: Claiming the authority or right to make a request, or showing that it
supports organizational goals or practices
What is empowerment?
Freedom and ability of employees to make decisions and commitments
What are four characteristics empowered people have in common?
- 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
According to Ondrack, what are the four conditions that need to be met for employees to be empowered?
- 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