Notes on Power and Politics in Organizations

Overview

What is Power?
➢ Formal v. Personal Power
➢ A Closer Look: Referent Power
➢ Power Tactics
➢ Sexual Harassment
➢ Organizational Politics
➢ Impression Management

Power

  • Definition: Capacity of person A to influence the actions of person B to align with A's wishes.

  • Key Aspect: Power depends on dependency (A has power over B if A controls something B desires).

Types of Power

Formal Power

  • Coercive Power: Based on fear of negative consequences (e.g., dismissal).

  • Reward Power: Ability to provide valued rewards (e.g., promotions).

  • Legitimate Power: Authority from a formal position within an organization.

Personal Power

  • Expert Power: Based on skills or knowledge.

  • Referent Power: Influence due to admiration or identification with someone charismatic.

Effectiveness of Power Types

  • Personal sources (expert & referent) are more effective than formal power types (coercive, reward, legitimate).

  • Coercive Power: Generally backfires, leading to negative outcomes.

Power Tactics

  • Legitimacy: Relying on authority.

  • Rational Persuasion: Using logical arguments.

  • Inspirational Appeals: Connecting to values and aspirations.

  • Consultation: Involving others in planning.

  • Exchange: Offering rewards for compliance.

  • Personal Appeals: Asking for compliance due to friendship.

  • Ingratiation: Flattery before a request.

  • Pressure: Making demands or threats.

  • Coalitions: Gaining support from others.

Effectiveness of Tactics

  • Most Effective: Rational persuasion, inspirational appeals, consultation (especially with interested audiences).

  • Least Effective: Pressure often leads to backlash.

Sexual Harassment

  • Definition: Unwanted sexual behaviors affecting employment and creating a hostile environment.

  • Power Dynamics: More likely in situations with significant power differentials; harassment by superiors is particularly detrimental.

Organizational Politics

  • Definition: Actions influencing resource distribution, including tactics like withholding information and spreading rumors.

  • Negative Impact: Leads to increased anxiety, turnover, and decreased performance.

Strategies to Avoid Politics**

  • Avoiding Action: Techniques like buck passing or playing dumb.

  • Avoiding Blame: Methods like scapegoating or misrepresenting information.

  • Avoiding Change: Protecting self-interest during organizational changes.

Impression Management

  • Definition: Efforts to control how others perceive an individual.

  • Job Interviews: Success linked to self-promotion.

  • Performance Evaluations: Positive outcomes associated with ingratiation.