2. Learning Objectives
Define power and its relationship to authority and influence.
Identify the various classifications of power.
Discuss the contingency approach to power.
Describe the empowerment of employees.
Relate the political implications of power.
Present some political strategies for power acquisition in modern organizations.

3. Introduction
Power and politics – important dynamics in organizational behavior
Power related to authority and influence
Political strategies used to acquire power

4. Meaning of Power Ability to get an individual or group to do something
Distinctions among power, authority, and influence
Power – as observed influence or potential to influence
Authority – legitimates and is a source of power
Influence – ability to alter others in general ways

5. Meaning of Power Continued
Classifications of power
Reward power
Coercive power
Legitimate power
Referent power
Expert power

6. Meaning of Power Continued
Contingency approaches to power
Influenceability of the targets of power
Dependency
Uncertainty
Personality
Intelligence
Gender
Age
Culture

7. Meaning of Power Continued
Contingency approaches to power (continued)
An overall contingency model for power

8. Meaning of Power Continued
Two faces of power
Positive power
Negative power

9. Special Case of Empowerment
Complexity of empowerment
Innovation implications
Access to Information
Accountability and responsibility
Putting empowerment into action
Two common approaches are:
Kaizen and “just do it” principles (JDIT)
Trust building

10. Political Implications of Power
Political perspective of power in organizations
Areas relevant to politics
Resources
Decisions
Goals
Technology and external environment
Change

11. Political Implications of Power Continued
Specific political strategies for power acquisition

12. Political Implications of Power Continued
Political tactics

13. Political Implications of Power Continued
Strategies for power acquisition (continued)
Maintain alliances with powerful people
Embrace or demolish
Divide and rule
Manipulate classified information
Make a quick showing
Collect and use IOUs
Avoid decisive engagement (Fabianism)

14. Political Implications of Power Continued
Strategies for power acquisition (continued)
Attacking and blaming others
Progress one step at a time
Wait for a crisis
Take council with caution
Be aware of resource dependence

15. Political Implications of Power Continued
Final word on power and politics
Guidelines to overcome negative impact:
Keep lines of communication open
Role-model ethical and nonpolitical behaviors
Be wary of game players acting only in their own self-interests
Protect individual privacy interests
Always use the value judgment “Is this fair?”

16. Questions ?