Politics And Power

© 2006 R. Dunham / M. Maltarich

The IssuesComments on organizational politics and powerManagers’ beliefs about organizational politicsDefinitions of organizational politicsDefinition of interpersonal powerThe bases of powerManaging power & politics

Comments on Politics & Power

“Power is America’s last dirty word. It is easier to talk about money—and much easier to talk about sex—than it is to talk about power.” Kantor (1979) p. 65.“…those who love laws and sausages should not watch either being made…. We honor leaders for what they achieve, but we often prefer to close our eyes to the way they achieve it.” Pfeffer (1992) p. 33.“…the qualities required for leadership are not necessarily those that we would want our children to emulate—unless we wanted them to be leaders.” Pfeffer (1992) p. 33.

Cont.

Comments on Politics & Power (Cont.)

“…for many, the word “politics” has negative connotations associated with the misuse of power, secrecy and backroom deals. That of course may often be the reality, which only serves to obscure the idea of politics as a constructive organizational reality.” Butcher (2002) p. 40.We must “… distinguish between constructive and destructive politics, or more exactly, selfless and selfish motives… and… the difference between ethical and unethical means of achieving political goals.” Butcher (2002) p. 41-42.

QuestionsThe existence of workplace politics is common to most organizationsSuccessful executives must be good politiciansYou have to be political to get ahead in organizationsOrganizations free of politics are happier than those where there are a lot of politicsPolitics in organizations are detrimental to efficiency

A Survey on Organizational Politics(Gandz and Murray)

93%: The existence of workplace politics is common to most organizations89%: Successful executives must be good politicians70%: You have to be political to get ahead in organizations59%: Organizations free of politics are happier than those where there are a lot of politics55%: Politics in organizations are detrimental to efficiency

Percent Agreeing with:

Definitions:Organizational Politics

Pfeffer: “…organizational politics [is defined] as the exercise or use of power, with power being defined as a potential force”Butcher: “Organizational politics, therefore, refers to the constructive reconciliation of competing causes, and is central to managing”Mayes & Allen: “…the management of influence to obtain ends not sanctioned by the organization or to obtain sanctioned ends through non-sanctioned influence means.”

I’ll support your project if you support

mine

NonpoliticalUsing unsanctionedmethods to obtain sanctioned outcomes

Using unsanctionedmethods to obtain

unsanctioned outcomes

Using sanctionedmethods to obtain

unsanctioned outcomes

MEANSEN

DS

PrescribedNon-

prescribed

Pres

crib

edN

on-

Pres

crib

ed

Means/Ends Combinations

Interpersonal Power

Definition: The ability to influence others and maintain control over your own fate

LegitimateReward

CoerciveReferent

(charismatic)

ExpertResource

Bases Of Power

Legitimate Power

Exists when one person believes that another person has the right to influence him or her (authority)

Reward PowerExists when one person believes another person can and will provide or withhold rewards

Coercive Power

Exists when one person believes another person can and will provide or withhold punishment

Referent (Charismatic) Power

Exists when one person finds another attractive and wants to be associated with or affiliated with that person

Expert PowerExists when one person believes another person has desired expertise and is willing to share or withhold it

Resource Power

Exists when one person believes that another person has desired (nonexpert) resources and is willing to share or withhold them

Principles of PowerPower is perception basedPower is relativePower bases must be coordinatedPower is a double-edged sword (used and abused)

Empower to reward others

Select & train for desired expertise

Empower to punish others

Assign to position of authority

Select charismatic individual

Provide resources to

manage

Organizational Power Management

Acquire and make expertise known

Show ability to provide or with-hold rewards

Use & make authority known

Show ability to provide or with-hold punishment

Be a nice person

Acquire and make resources known

Personal Power Management

The Constructive Politician (Butcher)

Ambition to influence organization through ceaseless pursuit of his/her own agendaEstablishing worthwhile causes

Stimulating organic changeStealth & nominal adherence to procedure

Relationship buildingManaging upwardsInternal networkingExternal networking

Management: A Power Perspective (Pfeffer)

Decide on your goalsWho is influential for achieving your goals?What are the views of the influential? How will they feel about what you want to do?What are the relative power & power bases of the influential?What are your power bases & what power can you develop?What bases of power & specific strategies & tactics are appropriate given the situation?Choose actions to achieve your goals

The IssuesComments on organizational politics and powerManagers’ beliefs about organizational politicsDefinitions of organizational politicsDefinition of interpersonal powerThe bases of powerManaging power & politics