Power and Influence (HA 5362)

This flashcard set covers the definitions, sources, uses, and political applications of power and influence as discussed in the Week 6 lecture by Dr. Jerry Pacheco.

Power (Siu, $1979$)

The ability to influence beliefs, emotions, behaviors of people.

Power (Emerson, $1962$)

Exists only when there is an equal relationship between two people and where one of the other.

Power (Salancik & Pfeffer, $1989$)

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

Potential Power

A state where an individual has the ability to influence another individual but has not yet exercised it.

Kinetic Power

A state where an individual actually uses his/her power to influence another individual.

Reward Power

A source of power requiring the perception of the ability to reward, which must be of value to the recipient.

Coercive Power

The ability to punish by administering or withholding something an individual wants; based on the expectation of punishment for failing to conform.

Conformity

The tendency of people to behave consistently with social norms.

Legitimate Power

Power given to an individual on the basis of a specific role or position, often derived from culture, social structure, or delegation.

Referent Power

Power that stems from affective regard, attraction, or identification with the individual in charge.

Expert Power

Power awarded on the basis of the perception of the knowledge held by the person in charge.

Mechanic's Sources of Power ($1962$)

Control access to resources/materials, people, and information (including norms and standard practices).

Dependency

The act of making oneself indispensable to those in higher ranks within an organization.

Individual Personal Power

According to McClelland, power sought by those with high impulsive behaviors and aggressive actions who control others for their own benefit (an 'I win, you lose' mentality).

Socialized Power

Power used to engage and empower others to accomplish goals.

Kotter's Methods for Developing a Power Base ($1977$)

Success achieved by creating a sense of obligation, building a reputation as an expert, identification, and perceived dependence.

Organizational Politics

Intentional acts of influence designed to enhance or protect the self-interest of individuals or groups.

Attacking or Blaming Others

A political behavior also known as scapegoating.

Creating and Maintaining a Favorable Image

Focusing on the appearance of being important, having a certain reputation, and taking credit for the work and ideas of others.

Ingratiation

A political behavior or upward influence tactic involving praising others, sometimes referred to as 'brown nosing.'

Upward Influence

Influence tactics directed by employees toward those at higher levels in the formal organization, such as assertiveness, rationality, or upward appeal.