Ch12: POWER & POLITICS

CONCEPT OF POWER
Definition
o Capacity to influence the behaviours of others
accordingly to his desires
o Function of dependency
Contrast leadership/power
o Power: no need for goal compatibility
Just dependence
o Direction of influence
Leadership: downward
BASES OF POWER
Formal power
o Definition
Based on ones position in org
o Coercive power
Depends on fear of <0 results from failing to
comply
Physical sanctions
Control of basic psych or safety needs
o Reward power
Comply bcs >0 benefits
Financial: bonuses, raises
Nonfinancial: recognition, friendly colleagues
o Legitimate power
Formal authority to control/use org resources
Based on structural position in org
Personal power
o Expert power
Influence wielded as a result of expertise, special
skill or knowledge
o Referent power
Based on identification with a person who has
desirable resources or personal traits
POWER TACTICS
Legitimacy
o Rely on your authority position
Rational persuasion
o Present logical arg & factual evidence
Inspirational appeals
o Develop emotional commitment
o By appealing to a targets
values/needs/hopes/aspirations
Consultation

o Increase targets support

o By involving him in decision making
Exchange
o Reward the target with benefits
o In exchange for following a request
Personal appeals
o Ask for compliance
o Based on friendship
Ingratiation
o Use flattery prior to request
Pressure
o Use warnings, repeated demands & threats
Coalitions
o Enlist aid or support

POLITICS: POWER IN ACTION

Definition of org politics
o Use of power to affect decision making in an org
o Legitimate
Normal everyday politics
Ex: forming coalition, complaints to supervisor
o Illegitimate
Violation the implied rules of the game
Ex: sabotage, whistle-blowing, symbolic protests
Reality of politics
o Necessary evil
Due to every employees conflicting personal
interests
o Politicking
CAUSES & CSQ OF POLITICAL BEHAVIOR
Factors contributing to political behaviour
o Individual factors
High self-monitor
Internal locus of control
High Mach personality
Organizational investment
Perceived job alternatives
Expectations of success
o Org factors
Reallocation of resources
Promotion opportunities
Low trust
Role ambiguity
Unclear performance evaluation system
Zero sum reward practices

Democratic decision making

High performance pressures
Self-serving senior managers

When org politics threatens employees, csq:

o Decreased job satisfaction
o Increased stress
o Increased turnover
o Required performance

Defensive behaviour
o Avoiding action
Overconforming
Buck passing
Playing dumb
Stretching
Stalling
o Avoiding blame
Buffing
Playing safe
Justifying
Scapegoating
Misrepresenting
o Avoiding change
Prevention
Self-protection

Impression Mgmt
o Process by which individuals attempt to control the
impression others form of them
o Techniques
Conformity
Agree with ones opinion
Form of ingratiation
To gain approval
Favours
Form of ingratiation
To gain approval
Excuses
Apologies
Self-promotion
Enhancement
Flattery
Exemplification