Power and Politics

Power
A capacity to influence the behaviour of others
It is also a function of dependency
Leaders use their power as a means to achieve a goal

What Creates Dependency?

Importance
of the
Resource

Scarcity
of the
Resource

Number of
Viable
Substitutes

Major Sources of Power- How People

Acquire Power
Informational sources of power
Personal sources of power
Power based on position in an
organization
Relationship-based sources of power
Contextual sources of power

French and Ravens bases of power

Coercive Power dependent on fear

Reward Power
Legitimate Power the power as a result of their position
in the organization
Expert Power power possessed because of a specific
knowledge, skill, expertise
Referent power Power resulting to a person because of
desirable characteristics or resources
It develops out of admiration for the power holder

Power Tactics

Reason

Friendliness

Sanctions

Coalition

Higher
Authority

Bargaining
Assertiveness

7 Ways to Increase Your Power

Be reasonable use facts and data to build a position then
reason from it
Be friendly Create goodwill and good relations
Build coalitions Get the support of others who possess a
similar view point
Bargain Negotiate for the exchange of benefits (to
minimize dependency)
Be assertive A little more directly forceful
Seek higher authority support provides leverage
Leverage sanctions use organizationally derived
rewards or punishments and the threat of them to cause
action