2. What is power?
Power is the ability to …
▫ Get someone to do something you want done.
▫ Make things happen in the way you want
“Power is the opportunity to build, to create, to
nudge history in a different direction."
Richard Nixon
2
3. Bases of Power in Organizations
PowerPower
over Othersover Others
Legitimate PowerLegitimate Power
Reward PowerReward Power
Coercive PowerCoercive Power
Expert PowerExpert Power
Referent PowerReferent Power
5. The Evolution of Power: From Domination
to Delegation
None
High
DegreeofEmpowerment
Domination Consultation Participation Delegation
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
7. Organizational Politics
“Organizational politics
involves those activities by
organizations to acquire,
develop, and use power and
other resources to obtain
one’s preferred outcomes in
a situation in which there is
uncertainty or dissent about
choices.”
(Pfeffer, 1981)
8. Sexual Harassment and Power
• Harasser stereotypes the
victim as subservient and
powerless
• Harasser threatens job
security or safety through
coercive or legitimate
power
• Hostile work environment
harassment continues
when the victim lacks
power to stop the
behaviour
9. Political Tactics
• Attacking or blaming others.
• Creating a favorable image.
• Developing a base of support.
• Inspirational appeal
• Consultation
• Exchange
• Coalition
• Pressure
10. 2P’s - Power & politics
To direct and
control behavior
of organizational
members to
achieve
organizational
goals