Power Flashcards
What is the definition of power?
The capacity or ability to direct the behaviour of others over a course of events.
What is French and Raven’s Bases of Power?
In 1959, French and Raven produced a study on power. The study identified 5 bases of power.
What are the 5 bases?
Legitimate, Expert, Referent, Reward, Coercive.
What is legitimate power?
Legitimate power stems from the fact that the manager within an organisation has formally been given authority, and therefore they have the right to make decisions. Managers have the right to reward and punish employees as they see fit.
What is a negative of legitimate power?
Some employees may see the manager as unsuitable for the role and therefore may not respect them.
What is reward power?
Reward power stems from the manager’s ability to delegate responsibility and provide rewards to employees. Rewards can be financial (pay rise) or non-financial (promotion).
What is a benefit of reward power?
It can allow the manager to develop loyalty as subordinates try to perform to a high standard in order to be rewarded.
What are 2 negatives of reward power?
- It can lead to demotivation if an employee thinks they deserve a reward but does not get one.
- It can lead to favouritism allegations and can put pressure on the manager to justify their decisions.
What is coercive power?
Coercive power stems from the fact that the manager has the ability to force subordinates to do something against their will. They can put pressure on the employees, increasing stress levels. They can also withhold rewards or punish the employees by giving them less enjoyable tasks.
What type of management style is coercive power associated with and when is it likely to be successful?
It is associated with a hard management style and is more likely to be successful in low-skilled jobs, as employees will have a hard time finding alternative employment.
What is a negative of coercive power?
It can lead to discrimination and abuse of the manager’s power.
What is expert power?
Expert power stems from the skills, experiences and qualifications of the manager. These managers can use their decision-making and problem-solving abilities to overcome issues in the workplace and persuade subordinates.
What is a negative of referent power?
They may be likeable but not have integrity or be very good at their job, harming the business.
What are the formal powers?
Coercive, legitimate, reward.
What is a benefit of expert power?
The manager is seen as having the ability to do the job, leading to respect amongst the workforce and making it easier for managers to ensure loyalty.
What is referent power?
Referent power stems from the ability of a leader to manage a subordinate due to the high esteem in which they are held. This type of manager will be seen as a role model for subordinates and will likely be charismatic with the ability to persuade subordinates with their charming manner and personality.
What are the personal powers?
Referent, expert.
