Lecture 17 Power

Question 1

Power

Answer 1

1. Authority and ability to get things accomplished.
2. The capacity to get others to do something one wants them to do, that they would not ordinarily do.
3. Potential of an individual or group to influence the behavior of others.

Question 2

Having power gives one the potential to change the _ of individuals and groups.

Answer 2

Attitudes and behaviors.

Question 3

Legitimate power

Answer 3

1. Also called authority; power conferred by title or official position within an organization.
2. Creates a feeling of obligation and responsibility.

Question 4

Expert power

Answer 4

Power gained through knowledge, skill, expertise, or experience.

Question 5

Referent power

Answer 5

1. Power obtained because of identification with a leader or with what that leader symbolizes.
2. Gives people a feeling of personal acceptance or approval.

Question 6

Reward power

Answer 6

1. Power derived from the ability to grant rewards or favors to others.
2. Gets employees to work toward meeting goals; develops loyalty and devotion to leaders.

Question 7

Coercive power

Answer 7

1. Power based on fear of punishment.

2. A person using this form of power achieves compliance through threats.

Question 8

Charismatic power

Answer 8

Power derived from attractiveness or charm; a more personal type of power.

Question 9

Informational power

Answer 9

Power obtained when people have information that others must have to accomplish their goals.

Question 10

Authority-power gap

Answer 10

1. The gap that sometimes exists between a position of authority and subordinate response.
2. A wider gap leads to organizational chaos.

Question 11

Circumstances that bridge the authority-power gap

Answer 11

1. Followers believe that the manager is doing a good job.
2. Followers believe that the organization has their best interests in mind.
3. Followers do not feel controlled by authority.
4. Managers get to know their employees.

Question 12

The size of the authority-power gap is determined by _

Answer 12

Manager status.

Question 13

Issues that widen the authority-power gap

Answer 13

1. Loss of credibility.
2. Overusing commands.
3. Followers have limited input in decisions.

Question 14

Issues that decrease the authority-power gap

Answer 14

1. Management follows through, is credible.
2. Management is trustworthy.
3. Followers have authority in decision making.
4. Managers take a personal interest in their employees.

Question 15

Empowerment

Answer 15

1. An interactive process that develops, builds, and increases power through cooperation, sharing, and working together.
2. Develops leadership, collegial relationships, and self-respect.
3. Example: Self-scheduling.

Question 16

Queen bee syndrome

Answer 16

1. Typically exemplified in female-dominated professions (e.g., nursing).
2. Marked by a female leader who has struggled to become successful, but once successful, does not assist others in achieving the same success.

Question 17

Requirements to keep power

Answer 17

1. Maintain an adequate authority-power gap (smaller is better).
2. Empower subordinates.
3. Use authority in a manner that is viewed as necessary - overt displays of authority should be used only as a last resort.
4. Use political strategies.

Question 18

Politics

Answer 18

The art of using power effectively.

Question 19

Requirements of politics

Answer 19

1. Clear decision making, assertiveness, accountability, and the willingness to express one’s own views.
2. Be proactive rather than reactive.
3. Decisiveness.

Question 20

Response by subordinates to authority is influenced primarily by _

Answer 20

1. The legitimate authority of the position.
2. The perceived power of the manager.
3. Socialization of individuals to power/authority figures.