Types of Power and Motives
Socialized Power
Is the use of power to achieve constructive ends.
Personalized Power
Is the use of power primarily for the sake of personal aggrandizement and gain
Sources of Power
(Position Power) Power Granted by the Organization
(Personal Power) Stemming from the Individual
(Resource Power) Power from Providing Resources
Power Granted by the Organization or the individual (French & Raven 1969)
Legitimate power is based on the manager’s formal position within the hierarchy of the firm.
Power is enhanced by establishing polices and procedures that increase the scope of the position’s control.
Coercive power is controlling others through the fear of punishment.
To be effective, employees must fear the punishment.
Reward power is controlling others through rewards or the promise of rewards.
Information Power– formal control over information that people need to do their work.
Power Stemming from the Individual(Personal Power)
Expert power is the ability to influence others because of one’s specialized knowledge, skills, or abilities.
Referent power is the ability to influence others that stems from one’s desirable traits and characteristics.
Prestige Power – influence through status and reputation.
Power from Providing Resources
Resource Dependence Perspective
Subunits or individuals within an organization who control or provide the resources that the organization needs on a continuing basis can become quite powerful.
Control of resources equals power for managers.
Empowerment
Process of sharing power with group members, thereby enhancing their feelings of self-efficacy.
Strategic benefits of distributing power:
Improved productivity, quality, and satisfaction
Keys for the transition to effective empowerment:
Sharing information
Providing more structure (training and support)
Gradually replacing traditional organizational structure
Allowing individuals and teams to determine how to achieve objectives
Above all, trusting in employees to do the right thing
Leadership Practices
1. Foster initiative and responsibility
2.Link work activities to the goals of the organization
3.Provide ample information
4. Allow group members to choose methods
5. Encourage self-leadership
6. Implement team-based human resource policies
7. Establish limits to empowerment
1. Develop power contacts.
2. Control vital information.
3. Keep informed.
4. Control lines of communication.
5. Bring in outside experts.
6. Make a quick showing.
Display loyalty.
Manage your impression.
Ask satisfied customers to contact your boss.
Be courteous, pleasant, and positive.
Ask advice.
Send thank-you notes to large number of people.
Flatter other sensibly.
1. Leading by example
2. Rational persuasion
3. Developing a reputation as subject matter expert
4. Exchanging favours and bargaining
5.Getting network members to support your position
6. Legitimating appeal and emotional display
8. Personal magnetism
9. Consultation
10. Forming coalitions
11. Team play