Organizational Power and Influence

Summary

This video explores the concept of power in organizations, detailing the various types of power, including legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, informational, referent, and persuasive. It emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, the potential for power abuse, and the significance of empowerment in fostering organizational effectiveness. The script also delves into influence tactics, both upward and downward, and discusses the impact of politics within organizations. It highlights the role of impression management, self-monitoring, and the use of influence for positive leadership outcomes, with a focus on understanding the dynamics of power, trust, and relationship building in the workplace.

Takeaways

• 😀 Power in organizations can come from both individuals and groups, and people respond differently when they gain power, using it either altruistically or selfishly.
• 😀 Effective leadership is often driven by the need for power, not just the need to achieve, with high impulse control and low need for affiliation associated with high managerial performance.
• 😀 There are seven types of power: legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, informational, referent, and persuasive. These powers come from either one's position or personal qualities.
• 😀 Legitimate power comes from holding a formal position, granting authority to manage employees and enforce organizational rules.
• 😀 Reward power involves controlling rewards, such as pay raises or praise, and should be used carefully to avoid negatively impacting employee motivation.
• 😀 Coercive power relies on punishment or the threat of punishment and should only be used sparingly, as it can lead to stress, resentment, and retaliation.
• 😀 Personal power comes from individual characteristics and is independent of one's formal position. Expert power, informational power, referent power, and persuasive power are all forms of personal power.
• 😀 Empowerment allows employees to take control over their own work, improving quality, cutting costs, and increasing work efficiency.
• 😀 Abuse of power occurs when power is used to exploit, demean, or control others unfairly, which can result in negative consequences like reduced morale and increased turnover.
• 😀 Organizational politics involves social influence attempts to advance one's self-interests, and it can be perceived as either negative or useful depending on the outcomes it produces.
• 😀 Influence tactics, such as rational persuasion, consultation, and personal appeals, should be chosen based on the situation, the person being influenced, and the desired outcome. Persuasion is an effective tool for leadership because it encourages voluntary compliance rather than forced obedience.

Q & A

What are the main types of power in an organization?

There are seven main types of power: legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, informational power, referent power, and persuasive power.

How does David McClelland define the leadership motive pattern?

David McClelland defines the leadership motive pattern as a high need for power combined with high impulse control and a low need for affiliation. This pattern is associated with high managerial performance.

What is the difference between position power and personal power?

Position power is based on one's formal position within an organization (e.g., legitimate, reward, and coercive powers), while personal power comes from the individual's unique characteristics, such as expertise, informational control, respect, and persuasive abilities.

How should managers effectively use reward power?

To use reward power effectively, managers should offer attractive and ethical rewards, make reasonable requests, and ensure that the rewards are perceived as fair and not as bribes.

What are the potential negative effects of using coercive power?

The use of coercive power can lead to negative effects such as stress, resentment, decreased morale, and retaliation, which may harm both the employee and the manager's reputation.

What is the concept of empowerment in organizations?

Empowerment involves giving employees more control over their work and providing the necessary resources and coaching to develop their skills and confidence. It can be organization-wide or created by individual managers.

What role does ethical behavior play in a manager's power?

Ethical behavior increases a manager's power by building trust and eliminating hidden agendas, which enhances their influence and the likelihood that subordinates will follow their guidance.

What is the importance of influence tactics in leadership?

Influence tactics are essential for leaders as they help translate power into action by persuading others to follow their direction. Tactics should be matched to the situation, the individual being influenced, and the nature of the relationship.

What are some common political tactics used in organizations?

Common political tactics include controlling information, building coalitions, agenda setting, image building, and using outside experts. These tactics are often employed to advance individual interests or control resources.

How do organizational politics affect employee behavior?

Organizational politics can lead to negative perceptions among employees, particularly when political behaviors are seen as self-serving. It can also create conflict, uncertainty, and a lack of trust, which may decrease overall employee satisfaction and performance.