LAS 2:

Course: BA121 - Leadership and Decision-Making

Type of Activity: Concept Notes

Activity Title: Power and Influence

Learning Target: Define power and influence in the context of leadership, highlighting the online and
digital platforms influence in the society today.

Reference: Hughes et al. (2022). Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of Experience (10th ed). McGraw Hill
LLC.

Concept:

• By reflecting on their different bases of power, leaders may better understand how they can affect
followers and even expand their power.
• Leaders can improve their effectiveness by finding ways to enhance the value of their personal
contribution to their team.
• Leaders should discourage in-group and out-group rivalries from forming in the work unit.
• Exercise of power occurs primarily through the influence tactics leaders and followers use to
modify each other's attitudes and behaviors.
• Leadership practitioners should always consider why they are using a particular influence attempt
before they use it.

Illustration:
Questions/Exercises:

(Essay)

1. Discuss the relationship between power and influence in organizations. How do individuals or leaders
leverage power to exert influence, and what are the ethical implications of this dynamic? Provide
examples to support your analysis. (Minimum of 100 words)

2. Analyze the impact of social media on power and influence in contemporary society. How has the rise
of digital platforms transformed the dynamics of influence, and what are the potential risks and benefits
associated with the proliferation of online influence? Provide case studies and examples to illustrate your
arguments. (Minimum of 100 words)