Power

Question 1

3 dimensions

Answer 1

Lukes:

Power is a relational concept, that needs to be seeing the existence of social processes over time

1D - Power is manifested through observable conflict
2D- Those with power have the influence to guide the thinking of others in order to make them come to a desired conclusion without conflict
3D- Those in power can set the agenda, to limit thought and conversations to their subjectively important interests

Question 2

5 bases of power

Answer 2

French & Raven

1) Reward
2) Coercive
3) Legitimate
4) Referent
5) Expert

Question 3

Definition of power

Answer 3

Dahl (1957)

“A can get another social actor, B, to do something that B would not otherwise would have done”

• Power is defined in terms of a relationship between people.

Question 4

3 approaches to power

Answer 4

Unitary approach: An organisation is united under the umbrella of common goals striving towards their interests in the manner of a well interested team

Pluralist approach: Organisations are made up of different interest groups who vie with one another as the pursue their self-interests (Zero-sum approach as power benefits one group to the detriment of another)

Radical approach: Power is unequally distributed, and reflects class-based vested interests

Question 5

Organisations are political systems

Answer 5

Morgan (1986)

• Interests are ‘predispositions embracing goals, values, desired & expectations’
• Conflict arises whenever interests collide

Question 6

Inter-group conflicts

Answer 6

Sherif

• A group members intergroup attitude and behaviour will tend to reflect the objective interests of their group vis-a-vis other groups
  [Palestine & Isreal have defined their culture in relation to each other]
• Summer camp studies: shows how boys split into groups would become irrationally offensive of their groups interests in spite of having their best friends placed in opposing groups.
• Superordinate goals will supersede group rivalry and intergroup operations can emerge