JCE, Dept of MBA. 1

Power and Politics

By ANUSHA TUKE

JCE, Dept of MBA. 2

Definition of PowerPower

The potential to influence behaviour of others.

Make things happen or get the things done.A capacity that A has to influence

the behavior of B so that B acts in

accordance with A’s wishes

DependencyB’s relationship to A when A possesses something that B requires

B

A

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LeadershipFocuses on goal

achievementRequires goal

compatibility with followers

Focuses influence downward

Research FocusLeadership styles

and relationships with followers

PowerUsed as a means for

achieving goalsRequires follower

dependencyUsed to gain lateral

and upward influence

Research FocusPower tactics for

gaining compliance

Contrasting Leadership and Power

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Influence tactics in workplacePower Tactics: 1. Rational persuasion2. Inspirational appeals3. Consultation4. Exchange5. Ingratiation6. Pressure7. Coalitions

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Bases of PowerFormal

Coercive - One reacts to this power out of fear of the negative results which might occur if one failed to comply

Reward –Compliance achieved based on ability to distribute rewards that view as valuable

Legitimate - represents the formal authority to control and use organizational resources

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Basis of power: Personal powerExpert Power

Influence based on special skills or knowledge

Charismatic Power(referent)

from an individual’s personality and interpersonal style i.e. personal magnetism, enthusiasm

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Organizational Politics Farrell and Peterson-“Activities that are not required as part of

one’s formal role in the organization, but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organization”.

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Features of Organizational politics

• LegitimateNormal everyday politics – complaining,

coalitions, opposing, developing professional contact.

• Illegitimate -Extreme political behavior that violates the implied rules of the organization.

Self serving.IntentionalNot Rational.

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Factors Contributing to Political Behavior

Limited Opportunities

Lack of trust

Role Ambiguity

Pressure to perform well

Delay in feedback

Individual factor(Locus of control)

Politicking by top management

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Political StrategiesForming AllianceUse of informationScapegoatingImage BuildingNetworkingPersuasion

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Ethics of Behaving Politically

RightsRights JusticeJustice

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Implications for ManagersAccept the political nature of organizationsIncrease power by:

Acquire the bases of power that are most useful (expert, referent)

Use the power tactics that are most effective (consultation, inspirational appeal)

Avoid tactics that tend to backfire (coercion).

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