Organizational Behavior - Power, Influence, and Politics

These flashcards cover key concepts related to power, influence, and politics within organizational behavior.

Power

A person or group’s potential to influence another person or group to do something that would not otherwise have been done.

Position Power

Type of power based on one's position in the organization; includes legitimate, reward, and coercive powers.

Personal Power

Type of power based on individual characteristics; includes expert, informational, referent, and persuasive powers.

Need for Power

The desire to control and influence others or to be responsible for others.

Leadership Motive Pattern

A high need for power (with high impulse control) and a low need for affiliation.

Influence Tactics

Methods used to translate power into actions that affect the behavior of others.

Rational Persuasion

Using logic and facts to persuade someone.

Servant Leadership

A leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve.

Impression Management

The process of portraying a desired image or attitude to control how others perceive us.

Empowerment

Sharing power with employees and giving them the authority to make decisions.

Bullying Behavior

Actions that demean, exploit, or take advantage of others in a workplace setting.

Coalition Tactics

Engaging the help of others to persuade someone to agree to a proposal.

Ingratiation

Flattering or praising people to put them in a good mood or increase likelihood of helping.

Commitment

Endorsing and actively participating as a result of an influence attempt.

Self-Monitoring

A trait involving high concern with others’ perceptions and adjusting behavior accordingly.

Political Behavior

Social influence attempts directed at individuals who can provide rewards that promote or protect the actor's self-interests.

Scarcity of Resources

A situation where valuable resources are limited, often leading to political behavior.

Upward Influence Styles

Combinations of tactics used to influence those in higher positions.

Conflict

A situation where interests, needs, goals, or values of different individuals or groups clash.

Toxic Environment

A workplace impacted negatively by bullying and abusive behavior.