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Power & Politics in OB
Power & Politics in OB
12
T W E L V E
Suggested topics
Describe a time when you had to deal with organizational politics. Describe a situation where you saw evidence of power or influence being used in an organization Describe a time when someone influenced you to act a particular way or do a particular thing that you would not of otherwise done.
Power Empowerment
Definition
A four letter word? Influence? Control over others? Being able to get things done? ??????
A shifting definition
Reflects the new reality of organizations A new definition of employee
The goal?
Overcome feelings of powerlessness Convert power effectively into interpersonal influences in ways that avoid the abuse of power
Organizational politics
Power
Social influence
Unsuccessful
Person A
Person B
Person Bs Goals
Contingencies Of Power
Legitimate Power
Ones structural position The power a person receives as a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy of an organization
Archive Photos
Sources of Power
Legitimate Power Reward Power Coercive Power Expert Power
Archive Photos
Referent Power
Expert Power
Referent Power
Influence is based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits The desire to please
Contingencies of Power
Sources Of Power Contingencies Of Power Substitutability Centrality Discretion Visibility Power over others
Increasing Nonsubstitutability
Differentiation Controlling Tasks
Increasing Nonsubstitutability
Controlling Labour Controlling Knowledge
Consequences of Power
Sources of Power Expert Power Referent Power Legitimate Power Reward Power Coercive Power Consequences of Power
Commitment
Compliance
Resistance
Harasser stereotypes the victim as subservient and powerless Harasser threatens job security or safety through coercive or legitimate power Hostile work environment harassment continues when the victim lacks power to stop the behaviour
Organizational Politics
Political activity is perceived to increase at higher organizational levels (.73) (.50) (.54)
(1.22) (1.07)
(.18)
Organizational Level
Creating obligations
Controlling information
Cultivating networks
Forming coalitions
Impression management
Conformity: agreeing with anothers opinion to get their approval Excuses: Explanations of a predicament-creating event aimed at minimizing the apparent severity of the predicament Apologies: Admitting responsibility for an undesirable event and simultaneously seeking to get a pardon for the action Acclamations: Explanation of favourable events to maximize the desirable implications for oneself. Flattery: Complimenting others on their virtues in an effort to make oneself appear perceptive and likeable Favours: Doing something nice for someone to gain that persons approval Association: Enhancing or protecting ones image by managing information about people and things with which one is associated.
you knew
Creating obligations
Controlling information
Cultivating networks
Forming coalitions
We agreed that
alternatives?
Deceit is appropriate
Zero-sum rewards
Tolerance of Politics
It works here
Gender discrimination in recruitment or hiring Arrangements with vendors leading to personal gain Nonperformance factors used in appraisals Gender discrimination in compensation Not maintaining confidentiality Using discipline inconsistently Gender discrimination in promotion Sexual harassment Allowing differences in pay due to friendships Hiring, training, or promoting based on favouritism
Political Antics Top the Most Unethical List: Survey Results Potentially Situation
(22.6) (23.1) (23.5) (25.8) (26.4) (26.9) (26.9) (28.4) (30.7) (30.7) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percentage Responding with a 4 or 5 on a five-Point Scale Measuring Degree of Seriousness (where 5=very great)
political behaviours