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But:
Such a view of power and organisation is too
simplistic
It does not account for the nuances and
complexities of organised life
In our case-study: Everyone agrees that Dancer and
his men are extremely good at what they do,
they are liked and have great reputation within
the organisation and in the broader broadcasting
world
There is a mid-way between the nave manager and the overthe top Machiavellian one!
To offer solutions on
how to intervene and
change the
problematic situation
To develop political
expertise
What are the forms and bases of power?
What are the main tactics one can use?
What are the political skills to develop?
Sources of power
Reward power: Power based on agents
ability to control rewards that the agent
targeted wants, e.g. bonuses, salary
increases, promotion
Coercive power: Power that is based on
agents ability to cause unpleasant
experience for a target, e.g. threats,
punishments, including withdrawing
support
Classic text: French
and Raven,1959
Three factors
Ability to cope with uncertainty
High degree of centrality
Non-substability
Tactics
Descriptions
Examples
Pressure
Use of demands
threats, intimidation to
comply
Upwards appeals
I am reporting you to
my boss. My boss
supports this idea
Exchange
Coalition
Aid of others to
persuade you
Tactics
Descriptions
Examples
Ingratiation
Rational persuasion
Use of logical
argument and factual
evidence to persuade
the option desired is
viable
Inspirational appeals
Being environmentally
conscious is the right
thing.
Getting that account
will be tough, but I
know you can do it
Consultation
Participation in making
a decision or planning
a change
Political skills
The ability to get things done through
positive interpersonal relationships
outside the formal organization
Key features:
Social astuteness: accurate perception
and evaluation of the social situation
Conclusions
Politics is a physiological part of organized life
Power is the ability to influence others
It can be negative or positive
It is possible to develop political expertise,
becoming a reflective manager who
understands:
The web of power relations, the power dynamics
and how to intervene in them in a useful
manner
Final point
Ethical issues
Three useful questions:
Does the behavior produce a good outcome
for the majority of people? Utilitarian view
Does the behavior respect the rights of all
stakeholders? Individual rights
Does the behavior treas all party equitably
and fairly? The justice criterion