power and politics Flashcards
what is power?
Power refers to the ability of individuals or groups to exert influence over others to achieve their goals, while politics refers to the processes and activities that are involved in the exercise of power within an organisation or business.
what is power in organisational business?
In organisational business, power and politics play an important role in determining how decisions are made, how resources are allocated, and how conflicts are resolved. Those who possess power within an organisation can use it to further their own interests or agendas, which can sometimes result in political maneuvering and power struggles. Effective leaders must be able to navigate these dynamics and cultivate a culture of transparency and fairness to ensure that power is appropriately distributed and used for the benefit of the organisation as a whole.
what are the strengths of power?
Provides an ability to influence and control decision-making processes, especially in hierarchically structured organizations.
Increases the ability to enforce policies and procedures, which can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
Can lead to increased status and recognition within the organization.
Can increase the ability to negotiate and broker deals with external stakeholders.
what are the weaknesses of power?
Can lead to a culture of fear and intimidation, which can decrease employee morale and motivation.
Can lead to deception and unethical behavior, especially in the absence of adequate checks and balances.
Can lead to resistance to change and innovation, as those with power may seek to maintain the status quo.
Can lead to conflicts and power struggles within the organization, which can negatively impact productivity and teamwork.
name 4 theorists for power.
Stephen Lukes, John French and Bertram Raven, Michel Foucault and Jeffrey Pfeffer.
Together, these theorists offer a range of perspectives on power and politics that can illuminate the ways in which organizational power dynamics operate in practice.
explain - stephen lukes theory.
Stephen Lukes is a British sociologist who developed the three-dimensional view of power in society, drawing attention to the fact that power can operate at different levels and take different forms.
-Coercive power (e.g. legitimate authority)
-Manipulative power (e.g. excluding indvs or groups from decision making – powerful ignoring the grievances of the less powerful)
-Institutionalized power – norms of behaviour internalized by its members – defining what is normal/abnormal; socially acceptable/deviant
explain - John French and Bertram Raven theory.
John French and Bertram Raven are American social psychologists who identified five types of power: reward power, coercive power, legitimate power, referent power, and expert power.
explain - Jeffrey Pfeffer theory.
Jeffrey Pfeffer is an American business theorist who argues that power is a fundamental force that underpins organizational behavior and decision-making.
explain - Michel Foucault theory.
Michel Foucault is a French historian and philosopher who presents a challenging interpretation of how power operates, seeing it as a pervasive and subtle force that shapes social relations and identity.
