Power Empowerment How to get it How to use it …without abusing it

Definition A “four letter word”? Influence? Control over others? Being able to get things done? ??????

What Is Power? The Capacity to Influence Individuals or Groups to Behave in Ways They Would Not on Their Own Power Is a Function of Dependence

A shifting definition… Reflects the new “reality” of organizations A new definition of “employee”

Why does having power matter? With power you can… Intercede favorably on behalf of someone in trouble Get a desirable placement for a talented subordinate Get approval for expenditures beyond the budget Get items on and off agendas Get fast access to decision makers Maintain regular, frequent contact with decision makers Acquire early information about decisions and policy shifts

The goal? Overcome feelings of powerlessness Convert power effectively into interpersonal influences in ways that avoid the abuse of power

Empowerment: To empower yourself To facilitate the empowerment of others To empower yourself To facilitate the empowerment of others

How Can Power Be Acquired? Position Power –Authority –Rewards –Punishments Personal Power –Expertise –Charisma –Effort –Access to Information –Association Power

Sources of Personal Power Expertise: task relevant knowledge or experience Charisma: desirable characteristics Effort: higher than expected commitment of time ** Access to Information Association

Expertise Formal training On the job experience Specialization …but can be typecast

Charisma Agreeable personality (likeability) Impression management (magnetism) Attractive physical appearance Is this necessary? Does it lead to empowerment?

Effort Managers will reward (and promote on the basis of) hard work. Coworkers?

Sources of position power The nature of one’s position and task assignments

Position Power Authority (legitimacy) Rewards Punishment

Characteristics of Position Power Centrality Criticality Flexibility Visibility Relevance

How ELSE Can Power Be Acquired? Creating Dependency Impression Management Politicking –How Political Are You?

Interpretation Implications Three-step Political Diagnostic Analysis –Assess the Organizational Culture –Assess the Power of Others –Assess Your Own Power Politicking –How Political Are You?

Using Power to Maximize Your Managerial Effectiveness What Can You Do to Improve Your Political Effectiveness? –Frame Arguments in Terms of Organizational Goals –Develop the Right Image –Gain Control of Organizational Resources –Make Yourself Appear Indispensable –Be Visible –Get a Mentor –Develop Powerful Allies –Avoid “Tainted” Members –Support Your Boss

Using Power to Maximize Your Managerial Effectiveness (continued) What Specific Power Tactics Can You Apply? –Reasoning –Friendliness –Coalitions –Bargaining –Higher Authority –Assertiveness –Sanctions

Should You Use Defensive Behaviors to Protect Your Power? Avoiding Action Avoiding Blame Avoiding Change Effects of Defensive Behavior

Consider the Cost-benefit Equation Weigh Potential Costs of a Political Strategy against Its Potential Benefits.

Exhibit 14.1: Is a Political Action Ethical?