Power & Politics

Organizational Behavior

Power

The ability to influence the behavior of others and resist unwanted influence in return

Organizational Power

Derived from a person’s position in an organization

Legitimate Power

Having a position of authority (position power - e.g. CEO)

Reward Power

When someone has control over the resources or rewards another person wants

Coercive Power

When a person has control over punishments - usually leads to negative feelings towards those who use it

Personal Power

Come from the person themselves

Expert Power

A person���s skill, expertise, or knowledge on which others depend on

Referent Power

Exists when others have a desire to identify and be associated with a person

Influence

The use of an actual behavior that causes behavioral or attitudinal changes in others

Rational Persuasion

The use of logical arguments and hard facts to show the target that the request is a worthwhile one

Inspirational Appeal

A tactic designed to appeal to the target’s values and ideals

Consultation

Asking the target to participate in deciding how to carry out a request

Collaboration

Making it easier for the target to complete the request

Ingratiation

The use of favors, compliments, or friendly behavior to make the target feel better about the influencer

Personal Appeals

When the requestor asks for something on the basis of friendship or loyalty

Exchange Tactic

When the requestor offers a reward or resource in exchange for performing a request

Apprising

When the requestor clearly explains why performing the request will benefit the target personally

Internalization

MOST EFFECTIVE target agrees with and becomes committed to the request

Compliance

MODERATELY EFFECTIVE target is willing to perform the request, but does so with indifference

Resistance

LEAST EFFECTIVE target is opposed to request and attempts to avoid doing it

Organizational Politics

Actions by individuals that are directed toward the goal of furthering their own self-interests

Political Skill

Ability to effectively understand others at work and use that knowledge to influence others

Networking abilities

Type of political skill - Adeptness at identifying and developing diverse contacts

Social astuteness

Type of political skill - The tendency to observe others and accurately interpret their behavior

Negative Employee Reactions

Consequences of organizational politics such as decreased job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and task performance