Power and Politics

A Definition of Power Power A capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B acts in accordance with A’s wishes. Dependency B’s relationship to A when A possesses something that B requires.

Bases of Power: Formal Power Coercive Power A power base dependent on fear. Reward Power Compliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards that others view as valuable. Formal Power Is established by an individual’s position in an organization; conveys the ability to coerce or reward, from formal authority, or from control of information.

Legitimate Power The power a person receives as a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy of an organization.

Bases of Power: Personal Power Expert Power Influence based on special skills or knowledge. Referent Power Influence based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits.

Dependency: The Key To Power The General Dependency Postulate The greater B’s 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 holder’s power. What Creates Dependency Importance of the resource to the organization Scarcity of the resource Non substitutability of the resource

Power Tactics Influence Tactics : Legitimacy Rational persuasion Inspirational appeals Consultation Exchange Personal appeals Pressure Coalitions Influence Tactics : Legitimacy Rational persuasion Inspirational appeals Consultation Exchange Personal appeals Pressure Coalitions Power Tactics Ways in which individuals translate power bases into specific actions.

Power in Groups: Coalitions Seek to maximize their size to attain influence. Seek a broad and diverse constituency for support of their objectives. Occur more frequently in organizations with high task and resource interdependencies. Occur more frequently if tasks are standardized and routine. Seek to maximize their size to attain influence. Seek a broad and diverse constituency for support of their objectives. Occur more frequently in organizations with high task and resource interdependencies. Occur more frequently if tasks are standardized and routine. Coalitions Clusters of individuals who temporarily come together to achieve a specific purpose.

Sexual Harassment: Unequal Power in the Workplace Sexual Harassment Unwelcome advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Steps for Managers to Take to Prevent Sexual Harassment Make sure a policy against it is in place. Ensure that employees will not encounter retaliation if they file a complaint. Investigate every complaint and include the human resource and legal departments. Make sure offenders are disciplined or terminated. Set up in-house seminars and training.

POLITICS Political behavior are those activities that are not required as a part of one’s formal role in organization but that influences the distribution of advantages and disadvantages in the organization. Every one has an opportunity to play political games but this depends on whether he is willing to utilize this opportunity. Power and politics are interwoven and they occur at all levels. Politics is used to achieve goals.

Organizations can be considered as political entities because people have self interests to advance in career.

Effects of Organizational Politics Positive Effects Exchanging favors Forming coalitions Seeking sponsors Overcoming internal barriers Negative Effects Hinders organizational and individual effectiveness. Is an irritant to employees. Can have significant ethical implications.

Research on Organizational Politics The larger the organization, the greater the politics. Staff personnel are more political than line managers. Marketing people are the most political; production people were considered the least political. 61% of employees believed organizational politics helps advance one’s career. 45% of employees believed that organizational politics detracts from organizational goals.

Political Tactics Posturing: “One upmanship” and taking credit for others work. Empire building: gaining control over human and material resources. Making the supervisor look good: engaging in “apple polishing.”. Creating power and loyalty cliques: facing superiors as a cohesive group rather than alone. Engaging in destructive competition: sabotaging the work of others through character assassination.

Dysfunctional political Behaviour Dysfunctions are any activities or actions by individuals which are at the cost of organizational goals and interests. When organizational interests and individual interests intersect, it becomes functional When they don’t, it becomes dysfunctional.

Dysfunctional political behaviour can assume any of the following forms: Scapegoating Passing the buck Discrediting others Falsification of or hiding important information

Factors contributing to dysfunctional politics Competition for power Subjective evaluation of performance Delay in feedback Saturation in promotions

Antidotes to Political Behavior Strive for a climate of openness and trust. Measure performance results rather than personalities. Encourage top management to refrain from political behaviors. Strive to integrate individual and organizational goals through meaningful work and career planning. Practice job rotation to encourage broader perspectives and understanding of the problems of others.

MANAGING POLITICAL BEHAVIOUR Management can take following steps to minimize dysfunctional politics.  Clarity of roles  Being an ethical role model  Transparent appraisal system  Fair distribution of resources  Effective communication  Understanding the aspirations of employees

Employee Responses to Organizational Politics