Power & Politics

Romina Mathew

Power
The ability to get things done the way one wants them to be
done

The capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B

acts in accordance with As wishes.

Characteristics of Power
Dependency relationship
Power is specific
Power can expand or contract

Power based on two tier concept of influencing others

and being influenced
Two faces of power (David McClelland)

Positive (Social power) & Negative (Personal)

1.

Authority

Power

Right to command & extract

1. Ability to affect & influence

work

others

2.

Positional

2. Personal

3.

Delegated by Superior

3. Earned by individual from peers

4.

Well defined & finite

4. Undefined & infinite

5.

De-jure concept

5. De-facto

6. Basis of formal organization

6. Basis of informal organization

7.

7. Associated with Leaders

Associated with Managers

8. Narrow concept

8. Broader concept

Sources of Power
(French & Raven)
Positional
Power

Personal
Power

Legitimate or
Position Power
Power that arises from
the authority
associated with a
position in an
organization

Reward
Power
Power that arises from
the ability to grant
rewards valued by
others

Coercive Power
Power that arises from
the ability to punish
behavior

Expert Power
Power that arises from
knowledge or skill

Expert should be credible,

trustworthy and relevant

Referent Power
Power that arises from
personality characteristics
that command admiration,
respect and identification

Responses to power
Positional
Power

Compliance

Resistance

Personal
Power

Commitment

Developing Expert power

Gain Expertise
Promote an image of expertise
Maintain credibility
Act confidently and decisively in a crisis
Keep informed
Recognize subordinate concerns

Avoid threatening the self-esteem of subordinates

Centrality
Importance

Uncertainty

DEPENDENCE

B
Non
Substitutability

Scarcity

POWER

The greater the dependency an individual or a group has to another

person or an organization, the greater the intensity of power.

Intelligence

Age

Dependence

Influencability

Personality

Culture

Power in organizations
Power Structure

Power Structure

Indirect

Direct

C
B
C

Power Elite

Power Blocs

Attaining Power

Through Power Ploy/Tactics

Upward strategies

Downward Strategies
Lateral Strategies

Tactics to exert influence

Pressure tactics / Assertiveness

Legitimacy
Upward appeals / Higher authority
Exchange tactics / Bargaining

Coalition tactics
Ingratiating tactics / Friendliness
Rational persuasion / Reason

Inspirational appeals
Consultation tactics
Manipulation

Organizational Politics

Power in action
The method that organization members use to
demonstrate power
Political Behavior
Legitimate/ acceptable
Illegitimate/ Unacceptable

Politicking

Intentional
enhancement of
self-interest

Depends on

Locus
of
control

Individual
Factors

Need
For
power

Organizational
Factors
Goal Clarity

Resources

Self Monitoring
Culture

HR Policies

Machiavellianism
Trust

Political Behavior

Coalitions
Networking
Impression Management
Whistle Blowing
Sabotage
Falsification
Sexual Harassment
Back Stabbing
Playing games

Impression Management

A persons systematic attempt to behave in ways that

create and maintain desired impressions in others eyes.
Self Presentation
High self monitors more prone to engaging in IM

Impression Management Techniques

Self Promotion

Obstacle disclosure

Association

Flattery

Favors

Conformity/Ingratiation

Exemplification

Excuses

Apologies

Disassociation

The Evolution of Power

From Domination to Delegation
Degree of Empowerment

High

None

Influence
Sharing
Manager/leader
consults
followers when
making decisions

Power Sharing
Manager/leader
and followers
jointly make
decisions

Power
Distribution
Followers are
granted
authority to
make decisions

Authoritarian
Power
Manager/leader
impose decisions

Domination

Consultation

Participation

Delegation

Tactics for becoming an Empowering Leader

Foster initiative & responsibility

Link work activities to organizational goals
Provide ample information
Allow group members to choose methods
Encourage self leadership
Implement team based HR policies
Continue to lead

Is A Political Action Ethical?

Utilitarianism

Rights

Justice