Topic 8 - Power & Politics

Question 1

what is the definition of power?

Answer 1

the capacity that A has to influence the behaviour of B, so that B acts in accordance with A’s wishes

Question 2

What are some key words with regard to power?

Answer 2

• A’s power is relevant to B only
• So, power is only real if B perceives A has it
• Power can only be realized if B complies with it

Question 3

what are the three responses to power?

Answer 3

1. commitment
2. compliance
3. resistance

Question 4

in general, does power have positive or negative effects?

Answer 4

positive

Question 5

when does power lead to selfishness

Answer 5

only in those with weak moral identity

Question 6

in those with strong moral identity, power enhances _________?

Answer 6

their moral awareness and willingness to act

Question 7

what is the definition of empowerment?

Answer 7

the freedom and ability of employees to make decisions and commitments

Question 8

what are the characteristics of empowered people?

Answer 8

1. self-determination
2. sense of meaning
3. sense of competence
4. sense of impact

Question 9

When can empowerment be a bad thing?

Answer 9

In some cultures (ex: India), bosses can’t ask the opinion of subordinates, because it makes them appear weak.

• In these cultures, employees don’t want to feel empowered, they expect their bosses to know all the answers
• sometimes empowerment can make employees feel ill if they are put in charge of work but lack the confidence to handle the responsibilities

Question 10

what are the three sources of dependency?

Answer 10

1. importance (thing you control must be perceived as important)
2. scarcity (thing you control must be perceived as scarce)
3. non-substitutability (the fewer substitutes, the more power comes from control over it)

Question 11

what are the two kinds of power?

Answer 11

1. formal

2. personal

Question 12

what are the bases of formal power?

Answer 12

1. coercive
2. reward
3. legitimate

Question 13

what are the bases of personal power?

Answer 13

1. expert

2. referent

Question 14

What is coercive power?

Answer 14

power based on fear

Question 15

what is reward power?

Answer 15

ability to distribute rewards that others see as valuable

Question 16

what is legitimate power?

Answer 16

result of a person’s position in the formal hierarchy of an organization

Question 17

what is expert power?

Answer 17

based on special skills/knowledge

Question 18

what is referent power?

Answer 18

based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits (like you, respect you, admire you)

Question 19

Which power bases are most likely to be met with resistance?

Answer 19

coercive

Question 20

Which power bases are more likely to be met with compliance?

Answer 20

reward

legitimate

Question 21

which power bases are more likely to be met with commitment?

Answer 21

expert

referent

Question 22

what are the 9 influence tactics?

Answer 22

1. rational persuasion
2. inspirational appeals
3. consultation
4. integration
5. personal appeals
6. exchange
7. coalitions
8. pressure
9. legitimacy

Question 23

what is rational persuasion?

Answer 23

using facts and data to make a logical presentation of ideas

Question 24

what are inspirational appeals?

Answer 24

appealing to values, ideals and goals when making a request

Question 25

what is consultation?

Answer 25

getting others involved to support your request

Question 26

What is integration?

Answer 26

using flattery and being friendly prior to making a request

Question 27

what are personal appeals?

Answer 27

appealing to loyalty and friendship when asking for something

Question 28

what is exchange

Answer 28

offering favours or benefits in exchange for support

Question 29

what are coalitions

Answer 29

getting the support of other people to provide backing when making a request

Question 30

what is pressure as an influence tactic?

Answer 30

using demands, threats, and reminders to get someone to do something

Question 31

what is legitimacy as an influence tactic?

Answer 31

claiming the authority or right to make a request