Power

Question 1

Power

Answer 1

Great ability to do or act; strength; might; force
The possession of control or command over others; authority
The ability to endure and to thrive against the odds
Using power even in the smallest way to influence change

Question 2

When is power used effectively in groups?

Answer 2

Power is used effectively in groups when each individual member has a share of the power, and is able to use their power to impact the group achievement levels
If everyone is contributing, that can be very powerful, can influence the power that the group has

Question 3

When is power used ineffectively in groups?

Answer 3

Power is used ineffectively when it is paired with leadership and authority in ways that it hinders group decision-making and cohesion
If someone is taking over too much, it can have a negative impact, can create distancing

Question 4

5 Bases of Power

Answer 4

Legitimate, Reward, Expert, Referent, and Coercive

Question 5

Legitimate

Answer 5

This comes from the belief that a person has the formal right to make demands and to expect compliance and obedience from others
Appointed to position with legitimate responsibilities tied to power (ie management)

Question 6

Reward

Answer 6

This results from one person’s ability to compensate another for compliance
If you can reward some it has influence over them

Question 7

Expert

Answer 7

This is based on a person’s superior skill or knowledge

People will look to you to bring your expertise (ie high level of experience/education on a topic)

Question 8

Referent

Answer 8

This is the result of a person’s perceived attractiveness, worthiness, and right to respect from others
Power of likeability, people want to follow you (ie popularity, charisma, for instance, celebrities)

Question 9

Coercive

Answer 9

This comes from the belief that a person can punish others for noncompliance
Power to punish or potentially punish (people are afraid of them)

Question 10

What is the importance of understanding the 5 bases of power?

Answer 10

Better understand why you are influenced by someone, and decide whether you want to accept the base of power being used
Recognize your own sources of power
Build your leadership skills by using and developing your own sources of power, appropriately, and for best effect

Question 11

Correct Use of Power in Cooperative Groups

Answer 11

Power in cooperative groups can be defined by successful influence used to maximize joint benefits, and enhance the group’s effectiveness
Power is viewed as:
Expandable, to be shared, acting in bidirectional way, and inherently non-coercive

Question 12

Expandable (power in cooperative groups)

Answer 12

Not a ‘fixed-sum resource’. There is no limit to the amount of power each group member can obtain

Question 13

To Be Shared (power in cooperative groups)

Answer 13

No one person should have all the power. This isn’t about leaders and followers

Question 14

Acting in Bidirectional Way (power in cooperative groups)

Answer 14

Everyone should have the opportunity to influence one another - this should be a mutual influence

Question 15

Inherently Non-Coercive (power in cooperative groups)

Answer 15

Punishment often creates resentment, which adversely effects the motivation of group members

Question 16

Enhancing Power

Answer 16

Mobilizing power to achieve goals:
determine your goals, determine your relevant resources, determine your needed coalitions, negotiate mutual support contracts, implement the contracts

Question 17

When are groups more effective at solving problems?

Answer 17

When power is relatively balanced among its members

When power is based upon competence, expertise, and information

Question 18

The Downside of Power

Answer 18

Groupthink: the collective conscious of a group of people, based on power and control
Individuals ‘fall prey’ to groupthink when they go along with what powerful people do or say, without questioning or discussion
Famous example: Challenger disaster, 1986