W10: Power Flashcards
Define power.
Power refers to a capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B, so that B acts in accordance with A’s wishes. Power may exist but not be used.
- Most important aspect of power is dependence.
Contrast power and leadership.
- Goal Compatibility
Power does not require goal compatibility, merely dependence.
Leadership, on the other hand, requires some congruence between the goals of the leader and those being led. - Direction of Influence
Leadership focuses on the downward influence on followers. It minimizes the importance of lateral and upward influence patterns. Power does not. - Research
Leadership research emphasizes style.
What are the 5 bases of power?
FORMAL
- Coercive Power: A power base that is dependent on fear of the negative results from failing to comply.
- Reward Power: Compliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards that others view as valuable.
- Legitimate Power: the power a person receives as a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy of an organization.
PERSONAL
- Expert Power: Influence based on special skills or knowledge.
- Referent Power: Influence based on identification with a person who has desirable resources or personal traits
Which bases of power are the most effective?
Personal sources are most effective.
Both expert and referent power are positively related to employees’ satisfaction with supervision, their organizational commitment, and their performance, whereas reward and legitimate power seem to be unrelated to these outcomes.
Coercive power can be damaging
Explain the Role of Dependence in Power Relationships
The General Dependency Postulate
- When you possess anything others require but that you alone control, you make them dependent upon you and, therefore, you gain power over them.
- Dependence, then, is inversely proportional to the alternative sources of supply.
What creates dependence?
- Importance (e.g. uncertainty absorption)
- Scarcity
- Non-substitutability
What are the 9 influence tactics?
- Legitimacy. Relying on your authority position or saying a request accords with organizational policies or rules.
- Rational persuasion. Presenting logical arguments and factual evidence to demonstrate a request is reasonable.
- Inspirational appeals. Developing emotional commitment by appealing to a target’s values, needs, hopes, and aspirations.
- Consultation. Increasing the target’s support by involving him or her in deciding how you will accomplish your plan.
- Exchange. Rewarding the target with benefits or favors in exchange for following a request.
- Personal appeals. Asking for compliance based on friendship or loyalty.
- Ingratiation. Using flattery, praise, or friendly behavior prior to making
a request. - Pressure. Using warnings, repeated demands, and threats.
- Coalitions. Enlisting the aid or support of others to persuade the target
to agree.
RICE CLIPP
How does culture affect the use of power tactics?
Individualistic countries see power in personalized terms and as a legitimate means of advancing their personal ends.
Collectivistic countries see power in social terms and as a legitimate means of helping others.
What affects the effectiveness of the use of power tactics?
- Personal political skill: the ability to influence others in such a way as to enhance one’s objectives.
- Organization formalisation
How does power corrupt?
- Leads people to place their own interests ahead of others.
- Negative reactions to threats to competence
- Overconfident decision making.
- Positive effects
What is sexual harassment?
Any unwanted activity of a sexual nature that affects an individual’s employment and creates a hostile work environment.
How can managers manage sexual harassment at the workplace?
- Define the Lines
Make sure an active policy defines what constitutes sexual harassment, informs employees they can be fired for sexually harassing another employee, and establishes procedures for how complaints can be made - Safe Space
Reassure employees that they will not encounter retaliation if they issue a complaint. - Investigate every complaint and include the legal and human resource departments.
- Make sure offenders are disciplined or terminated.
- Training
Set up in-house seminars to raise employee awareness of the issues surrounding sexual harassment.
What is political behaviour in the office?
Activities that are not required as part of a person’s formal role in the organization but
that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organization.
What factors influence political behaviour?
Individual Factors - High self-monitors - High Mach personality - Internal Locus of Control - Expectation of success - Perceived job alternatives - Organizational Investment (SMILEJ)
Organizational Factors - Low trust - Reallocation of resources - Promotion Opportunities - Role ambiguity - Unclear performance evaluation - Zero-Sum Reward Practices - Democratic decision making - High performance pressures - Self-serving senior managers (LRPRUZDHS) (PUZD)
Little Red Riding Hood Saw Ugly and Pretty Dancing Zebras
What are the consequences of political behaviour?
Employees
- Anxiety and stress
- Turnover
- Decreased performance
- Decreased job satisfaction
Defensive Behaviours: Reactive and protective behaviors to avoid action, blame, or change. 1. Avoiding Action (5) 2. Avoiding Blame (5) 3. Avoiding Change (2)
