1. DIMENSIONS OF
POWER & AUTHORITY
IN RELATIONSHIPS
FRANCIS FERNANDEZ

2. POWER
What comes to your mind when I say Power?

3. “POWER is said to be like love; impossible to define but easy enough to recognise”
(Martin, 1977)

4. POWER
Ability to influence other people and events

5. AUTHORITY
What comes to your mind when I say Power?

6. AUTHORITY
Source of power.
Formal right to command (Institutionalised)

7. ASPECTS OF POWER & AUTHORITY
MANIFES-TATIONS
SOURCES
OUTCOMES

8. WHAT’S YOUR FACILITATING EXPERIENCE?
1) How have you seen power manifest itself?
2) What hindrance or damage does it do (in the facilitation process)
3) What have you tried doing?

9. WHAT ARE SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS RELATED TO
MANAGING POWER SITUATIONS IN GROUPS?
What comes to your mind when I say Power?

10. 4 Expressions of Power
Power over
Power to
Power with
Power within

11. WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN PRACTICE?
EXPRESSIONS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN PRACTICE?
Power OVER
Domination or control of one person, group or institution over another
Power TO
Rooted in the belief that every individual has the ‘power to’ make a difference
Power WITH
Helps build bridges across different interests, experiences and knowledge.
It’s about bringing together resources and strategies
Power WITHIN
Builds individuals capacity to imagine and raise aspirations about change

12. POWERFUL PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS ADOPTED IDEOLOGIES CREATED BY OTHERS
3 Faces of Power
INVISIBLE
HIDDEN
VISIBLE
POWERFUL PEOPLE AND INSTITUTIONS
POLITICAL
ADOPTED IDEOLOGIES CREATED BY OTHERS

13. EXPERIENCE
SHARING

14. POWER DYNAMICS DISTRIBUTION POWER DERTMINANTS DEPENDENCY CONSEQUENCES
UNCERTAINTY
POWER
REPUTATION
COMPLIANCE
TRAPPINGS
INDICATORS

15. USING POWER
ETHICALLY

16. DOES THE BEHAVIOUR:
PRODUCE a good outcome for people both inside and outside the organisation? (Not self interest)
RESPECT the rights of all parties? (Free speech, privacy and the process)
TREAT all parties equitable and fairly?

17. INTERNAL PRE-WORK The facilitators identity & self worth.
Early development experience & models of dealing with power
Being clear on the purpose and outcome
Have a view of who the participants are

18. INTERNAL PRE-WORK
Use the lens of power & authority to identify how they manifest.
Pre-engage with them and seek their views, agree on their purposes and role.
Establish your power & authority during the facilitation process.

19. SESSION TIPS
Clarify purpose & intention, then make statement of understanding
Listening, acknowledging, paraphrasing & seeking agreement
Move beyond the person & seek views of the rest.
Park it & revisit

20. THANK YOU