Class 9 - diversity, power, politics Flashcards
Describe power, according to Kanter
- that which enables you to create, get and/or use resources to achieve one’s goals
- the ability to facilitate change and achieve intended effects
- has the potential to change the attitudes and behaviours of individuals and groups
- can restrict another’s freedom of action
Why do nurses need power
- essential to being an effective leader in clinical, managerial, and leadership roles
- basic element in human relations and organizational behaviour
- influence change over practice, shape health care policy, and improve care
What are the different levels of power (most common to least)
- interpersonal: social power (French & Raven)
- organizational: power in organization (Kanter)
- external: national/governmental policies, political action to influence policies
What are the five (6) forms of power in interpersonal power (French & Raven)
- reward
- coercive
- expert
- legitimate
- referent
+ informational
Describe reward power
- ability to grant favours or reward others with whatever they value (money, free time, praise, etc)
- includes personal recognition & acknowledgement
- Employees will work harder to receive rewards
Describe coercive power
- Not something you would want to over use
- Power to punish or potentially punish; if people know you can punish them, then you still have coercive power
- fear of threat or punishment if the manager’s expectations are not met
Describe expert power
- gained through knowledge, expertise, & experience
- People look to you to bring in that expertise to influence a decision
Describe legitimate power
- power gained through a tile or official position; Where you are hired, elected, or appointed to a particular position that comes with responsibilities
- explain why you are asking for something to be done
example of legitimate power
supervisor, responsibility; making a schedule
Describe referent power
- based on admiration and respect for an individual; Power of like-ability
- identification with a leader or what the leader symbolizes
- Influence over people because you have charisma, good relationships, people look up to you, etc.
Example of coercive power
teacher, who will have the power to change a grade
example of referent power
Oprah Winfrey, not our bosses, but has a lot of influence over people
Describe informational power
- based on access to valuable data
- Not connected you personally
- followers comply because they want info for their own needs
OR - info is powerful because it can influence decisions
- controversial - if you part of a team/organization, that info doesn’t belong to you; info should be shared widely to benefit everyone
Describe connection power
based on individual’s formal and informal links to influential persons w/in or outside organization
What is a power-authority gap
leader has job title but no referent power because employees dont respect the boss
How to reduce the power-authority gap
Managers reduce gap when followers:
- perceive manager is doing a good job
- believe organizations has their best interest in mind
- do not feel controlled by authority
Why does the power-authority gap increase
when the manager loses creditability w/ employees
Describe the organizational power (Kanter’s Theory)
- the leaders power will grow by sharing power
- sharing power-ability to get things done and meet organizational goals
- work behaviour and attitude is shaped in response to problems and situations in work environment
Define empowerment, according to Ozimek
process by which we facilitate the participation of others in decision making and take action within an environment where there is an equitable distribution of power
How to empower followers, according to Kanter
increase staff nurses’ empowerment by giving access to increase:
- info
- support
- resources
- opportunity
Examples of other empowerment theories
- psycho-social empowerment
- critical social theory
what is psychological empowerment
motivational approach consisting of:
- meaning
- impact
- self-determination
- competence
What is critical social theory
- how society controls access to power
- how power influences behaviour toward others
Within critical social theory, how can nursing increase its power in an organization?
become aware of:
- power aspects/plays of the organization
- how nurses’ practice impacts care
- gain control over work life
Define politics, according to Collins Online Dictionary
- art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources
- actions or activities concerned with achieving and using power
- behaviour in human interactions involving power and authority
What is the connection with nursing & power beyond the workplace
- nurses’ capacity as individuals or members of a profession to influence policy makers
- monitoring, alleviating, and preventing or bringing about social change
- raising public awareness of the issue
What are power strategies
- networking (professional organizations, CNA, social media)
- coalition building (lobbying)
What are political skills
- be an active member of an organization
- build a relationship with a legislator
- run for office and/or seek appointed positions
What does diversity look like in the nursing workplace right now
- gender imbalance nursing profession
- minimal ethnic diversity
- critical for nurse managers to support minorities in the health care workforce
what challenges with generational workforce diversity
different views on authority, attitudes towards work, expectations of their leaders and work environment
What is the nurse manager’s role in generational workforce diversity
- support different generational needs to accomplish work
- harness attributes of each generation to meet the needs of the organization
What are the types of generations
- veteran generation (1922-1945)
- baby boomers (1946-1964)
- Gen X (1965-1980)
- Gen Y/Millennials (1980-2000)
- Gen Z (1996-TBD)
Describe veteran generation
- greater economic hardship and satisfying work
- expectation that sacrifice and hard work are rewarded, rules, value loyalty, respect authority
Describe baby boomers
- emphasis on personal fulfillment and identify with work
- materialistic and work long hours; live to work
- efficiency, teamwork, and service have thrived under their leadership
- more participative and less authoritarian workplace
Describe Gen X
- work to live
- assertive and comfortable with tech
- not willing to commit to one employer
- seek temporary jobs and want job satisfaction (doesnt work hard just cause)
Describe Gen Y/Millenials
- meaningful work
- superior multi-tasking skills
- earn to spend and constantly connected
- optimistic, socially conscious & sociable
- need clear definitions of outcomes, resources, and deadlines
Describe Gen Z
- best test for future abilities
- beliefs and expectation about tech in the areas of privacy, security, dating, education, and work
- life won’t be fair
