Organisation Control and

Power
How
organisations are controlled and how political power can influence
organisations and includes:
Definition
Compare

of power and contrast leadership and power

and contrast the five bases of power

Identify the causes and consequences of political behaviour

Discuss

whether different political actions are ethical

Key Reading..
What

did you discover from the reading this

week?

Definition of power &

contrasting
leadership and power

Define Power and Contrast Leadership and Power

Power

refers to a capacity that A has to

influence the behavior of B, so that B acts in
accordance with As wishes.
Power

may exist but not be used.

Probably

the most important aspect of power

is that it is a function of dependence.

A person

can have power over you only if he

or she controls something you desire.
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Define Power and Contrast Leadership and Power

Contrasting Leadership and Power

Leaders

use power as a means of attaining group

goals.
Goal

compatibility

Power

does not require goal compatibility,

merely dependence.

The

direction of influence

Leadership

focuses on the downward influence

on ones followers.

Leadership

research emphasizes style.

5 Bases of Power French &

Raven 1960

Hard and Soft Power

Hard Power

Soft Power

Legitimate based on leader holding

a formal position or title. People
accept leaders right to issue orders
or direct activities.

Expert based on leaders special

knowledge or skills. People trust and
respect decision because of leaders
expertise

Reward based on leaders having the

ability to provide or withhold
rewards. People comply in order to
obtain desired rewards.

Referent based on leaders personal

characteristics. People admire and
respect leader, like to be around him
or her and adopt the leaders
viewpoint

Coercive Based on leaders ability to

punish or recommend punishment;
follow orders to avoid punishment

Consequences of Power on
Power-Holder
Power changes those who hold it.
Positive Effects
More action-orientation
More sensitivity towards
others
Focus on rules
More generous

Negative Effects
Focus on retaining power
at all costs
False belief that they
understand others well
Oblivious to others
needs
Lose ability to empathise
Take credit of others
work

Potential Reactions to
Sources of Power
Potential Reactions
Individual
Sources of Power
Resistance

Coercion
Reward
Legitimacy

Compliance

Expertise
Referent

Commitment

Causes and
consequences of
political behaviour

Power and Politics

When thinking about managing change, some people

assume that organisations are well integrated entities
within which everybody works harmoniously together.

Some also believe that decisions are made logically and

rationally, that people share similar views of the world
around them and that they act to promote the interests
of the organization as a whole.

This is rarely the case.

11

Organisations are Political

Arenas
Organisations can be conceptualised as a collection of individuals,
groups and communities of practice, each pursuing their own
objectives.

When there is a conflict of interests it is the power and influence of

those involved that determines the outcome rather than logic and
rational argument.

Consequently, those responsible for managing change cannot afford

to ignore issues of power and influence.

12

Identify the Causes and Consequences of Political Behaviour

Political behaviour activities that are not required as

part of ones formal role in the organization, but that
influence the distribution of advantages within the
organization.
Outside

of ones specified job requirements.

Encompasses

efforts to influence decision making

goals, criteria, or processes.

Includes

such behaviors as withholding information,

whistle blowing, spreading rumors, and leaking
confidential information.
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Identify the Causes and Consequences of Political Behavior

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Identify the Causes and Consequences of Political

Behaviour

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Identify the Causes and Consequences of Political

Behavior

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Identify the Causes and Consequences of Political

Behaviour

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Political Actions and

Ethics

Determine Whether a Political Action

Is Ethical

The Ethics of Behaving Politically

Questions
What

to consider:

is the utility of engaging in politicking?

How

does the utility of engaging in the political

behavior balance out any harm (or potential
harm) it will do to others?

Does

the political activity conform to standards

of equity and justice?

Immoral

people can justify almost any behavior.

Recognize

the ability of power to corrupt.

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Implications for Managers

If you want to get things done in a group or an

organization, it helps to have power.

As a manager who wants to maximize your power, you

will want to increase others dependence on you.

You will not be alone in attempting to build your

power bases.

Try to avoid putting others in a position where they

feel they have no power.
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Implications for Managers

By assessing behavior in a political framework, you can

better predict the actions of others and use that
information to formulate political strategies that will
gain advantages for you and your work unit.

Employees who have poor political skills or are

unwilling to play the politics game generally relate
perceived organizational politics to lower job
satisfaction and self-reported performance, increased
anxiety, and higher turnover. Help your employees
understand the importance of becoming politically
savvy.
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