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Power and Politics: Organizational Behavior 1

This document discusses power and politics in organizations. It defines power as the capacity for one individual (A) to influence another (B) to act according to their wishes, which is dependent on how much B relies on A. There are two bases of power: formal power derived from one's position in the hierarchy, and personal power stemming from unique skills or traits. The more dependent B is on A for important, scarce resources, the more power A wields. Political behavior is any activity not formally required but used to influence the distribution of advantages, and is a natural result of limited resources causing competition. Most employees dislike organizational politics and react negatively to perceived political maneuvers.

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36 views9 pages

Power and Politics: Organizational Behavior 1

This document discusses power and politics in organizations. It defines power as the capacity for one individual (A) to influence another (B) to act according to their wishes, which is dependent on how much B relies on A. There are two bases of power: formal power derived from one's position in the hierarchy, and personal power stemming from unique skills or traits. The more dependent B is on A for important, scarce resources, the more power A wields. Political behavior is any activity not formally required but used to influence the distribution of advantages, and is a natural result of limited resources causing competition. Most employees dislike organizational politics and react negatively to perceived political maneuvers.

Uploaded by

Anonymous UgnqZ580P
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Power and Politics

Organizational Behavior

A Definition of Power
Power

The capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B acts in accordance with As wishes Exists as a potential or fully actualized influence over a dependent relationship Dependency Bs relationship to A when A possesses something that B requires The greater B's dependence, the more power A has
Organizational Behavior

Bases of Power: Formal Power

Formal Power Established by an individuals position in an organization Three bases: Coercive Power
A

power base dependent on fear of negative results

Reward Power Compliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards that others view as valuable

Legitimate Power The formal authority to control and use resources based on a persons position in the formal Organizational Behavior hierarchy

Bases of Power: Personal Power


Power

that comes from an individuals unique characteristics these are the most effective
Expert Power
Influence Influence

based on special skills or knowledge

Referent Power
based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits

Organizational Behavior

Dependency: The Key to Power

The General Dependency Postulate The greater Bs dependency on A, the greater the

power A has over B


Possession/control of scarce organizational resources that others need makes a manager powerful Access to optional resources (e.g., multiple suppliers) reduces the resource holders power

Dependency increases when resources are: Important Scarce

Nonsubstitutable

Organizational Behavior

Politics: Power in Action

Political Behavior Activities that are not required as part of ones formal role in the organization, but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages or disadvantages within the organization Legitimate Political Behavior Normal everyday politics - complaining, bypassing, obstructing Illegitimate Political Behavior Extreme political behavior that violates the implied rules of the game: sabotage, whistleblowing, and symbolic protest
Organizational Behavior 6

The Reality of Politics


Politics is a natural result of resource scarcity Limited resources lead to competition and political behaviors Judgments on quality differ markedly based on the observers perception Blaming others or fixing responsibility Covering your rear or documenting decisions Perfectionist or attentive to detail Most decisions are made under ambiguous conditions Lack of an objective standard encourages political maneuvering of subjective reality

Organizational Behavior

Causes and Consequences of Political Behavior


Factors

that Influence Political Behavior

Organizational Behavior

Employee Responses to Organizational Politics


Most

employees have low to modest willingness to play politics and have the following reactions to politics:

Organizational Behavior

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