In organizational theory, one's power is defined by one's position influence and
one's role within a bureaucratic/hierarchical structure. In other words, a person's
influence stems from his or her role, clearly defined in terms of function and
position, within the hierarchy. Complex organizations require control, order, and
discipline to ensure some degree of efficiency and predictability in what might
otherwise be chaos, Thus, clear paths of authority and an understanding of where
one must go for help, information, or direction emerge. Except where revolution
or internal reorganization take place, leaders are those who wear the cloak of
authority at each level in the organization; it is position alone that gives the occupant
power to influence (Abrahamson and Smith, 1970).
where, for example, a new superintendent of schools is elected, the school staffs
experience apprehension, wondering how the new superintendent will act. what
decisions will he or she make? What programs will be cut? Such apprehension is
directly related to the degree of power inherent in the position of superintendent.
One source of tension in particular is concern about how the new person will use
his or her authority in relating to employees in lower-status positions.
In all bureaucracies, be they in the military, business, or educational world, the
roles and fuctions of members are clearly defined, so in theory ar least, no
questions need arise regarding authority and responsibility. Unlike theories of
power in which need, timing, and personal charisma all contribute to a person's
influence without regard to formal structure, here the structure itself affords the
legitimacy of authority. Thus an assistant principal responsible for discipline in a
large urban school has a clearly defined role and unquestioned authority. Similarly,
a captain in the military and a vice president of marketing are guided by clearly
defined roles. Subordinates may provide information and ideas, but each knows
his or her place in the organization and thinks twice before challenging the authority
of thoes in higher positions in the hierarchy.
Clearly, the values of such an approach to leadership are the order, predictability
and consistency created in complex systems wherein it is necessary to minimize
confusion and inefficiency. But the price paid is often the creation of dependancy
and an attitude of unquestioning obedience to superiors in those waiting docilely
for the opportunity to move up the ladder. Such groups can demoralize personel
and reduce effciency within the organization. Because "bosses" wield preordained
influence over the lives of subordinates, real openness, the free expression of
feelings, and other truths are often limited to the safety haven of the informal
system and are conspicuously lacking in the formal structure where they might be
most useful. Superficial concerns--looking good, keeping a clean record, and
apparent loyalty--often replace honesty, creativity, and risk taking as employees,
values with respect to their work. Consider the following example:
A few years ago, a colonel in the United States Army Corps of Engineers
was faced with deteriorating morale and efficiency at the large military