Power And Politics Flashcards
Power
As capacity to influence the behaviour of B so that B acts in accordance with As wishes
“The capacity of individuals to overcome resistance on the part of others, to exert their will and to produce results consistent with the interests and objectives “ (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2010)
Perspectives on power
1) power from dependence
2) power as a property
3) power as “bases” or sources “sources”
4) panopticon power
Dependence
Dependency - As relationship to B when B possesses something that A requires
Why dependence
Important/ valued
Scarce
Not easily substitutable
Is a person more valuable if they have
-Personal resources Energy, stamina and endurance Ability to focus energy/ avoid wasteful effort Sensitivity and good at empathy Flexibility in how goals are achieved Assertiveness
-Structural sources of power
Formal position and authority
Access to, and control over, resources
Ability to cultivate allies and supporters
Position in the organisations comms network
Skills that are difficult to replace
-Relational sources of power
Five bases do power (French and raven, 1958)
1)Reward power- pay promotions etc
2)Coercive power -withhold opportunities: discipline,fear
3)Referent power- powerful through respect,charisma
4)Legitimate power - use position to influence
5)Expert power - use competence and skills
Evaluating responses
People may respond by
Commitment - the person is enthusiastic about the request and carries the task out
Compliance- the person goes along with the request grudgingly, putting in minimal effort
Resistance- the person is opposed to the request and tries to avoid it
Panopticon power
Foucault 1957
Power is everywhere
Management control manifest in observations and accountability
Disciplinary power
Foucault 1975
Power is everywhere
Power as a set of tools including
Control of physical space in offices, factories to induce ranking
Standardisation of individuals through timetable, repetitive activities
Job ladders and career systems- control of future through premises
Organisational politics
Political behaviour in organisations consists of activities that are not required as part of an individuals formal role but that influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organisation “
Judge and robbins 2012
Power tactics
Translating power into specific political actions
Legitimacy Inspirational appeals Consultation Exchange Rational persuasion Personal appeals Pressure Coalitions
Examples of politics
Networking Alliances Career positioning Compromise Information games Promoting issues Clear overlaps with power tactics
Power tactics
Upwards influence - rational persuasion
Downward influence - rational persuasion , inspirational appeals, pressure, consultancy , legitimacy
Horizontal influence - rational persuasion, consultation, exchange, personal appeals, coalitions
Five bases of power
- Reward power -pay promotions
- Coercive power- with old opportunities
- referent power -powerful through respect
- legitimate power - use position to influence
- expert power- use competence and skills
