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Power, politics and change

Q: Different types of power are used in different ways. Particular methods of influence attach themselves to particular types of power:

Force ; derived from having physical power; bullying, loss of temper. Rules and procedures ; derives from having position power, backed by resource power; devising rules and procedures to result in particular outcomes. Exchange ; derived from having resource power; bargaining, negotiating, bribing. Persuasion ; derived from having personal power; use of logic, the power of argument, evidence of facts. Ecology ; derived from different power sources; manipulating the physical and psychological environment to achieve certain purposes. Magnetism ; derived from personal and sometimes expert power; inspiring trust, respect, using charm, infectious enthusiasm.

Q: In order to influence others, both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ strategies can be used

Push or threat strategies attempt to influence people by imposing or threatening to impose ‘costs’ on the people or groups concerned if they do not do what is desired. This may be done either by withdrawing something that the ‘target’ of influence values, or by threatening a sanction if the target does not comply. The ability to impose such costs will depend largely on a person’s position and the resources that they control. Pull or reward strategies reflect content theories of motivation that emphasise material, social and other extrinsic rewards. Rewards are often used to influence people.

4 important questions on Power, politics and change

Robbins and Judge (2013) suggest two broad categories of power: formal power and personal power.

Formal power relates to the position of the individual within the organization and incorporates coercive, reward, legitimate and information power.
Personal power derives from the unique characteristics of individuals such as their skills and expertise, their personalities and their favoured association with others from whom they gain status and other desirable resources.

Different types of power are used in different ways. Particular methods of influence attach themselves to particular types of power:

Force; derived from having physical power; bullying, loss of temper.
Rules and procedures; derives from having position power, backed by resource power; devising rules and procedures to result in particular outcomes.
Exchange; derived from having resource power; bargaining, negotiating, bribing.
Persuasion; derived from having personal power; use of logic, the power of argument, evidence of facts.
Ecology; derived from different power sources; manipulating the physical and psychological environment to achieve certain purposes.
Magnetism; derived from personal and sometimes expert power; inspiring trust, respect, using charm, infectious enthusiasm.

In order to influence others, both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ strategies can be used

Push or threat strategies attempt to influence people by imposing or threatening to impose ‘costs’ on the people or groups concerned if they do not do what is desired. This may be done either by withdrawing something that the ‘target’ of influence values, or by threatening a sanction if the target does not comply. The ability to impose such costs will depend largely on a person’s position and the resources that they control.
Pull or reward strategies reflect content theories of motivation that emphasise material, social and other extrinsic rewards. Rewards are often used to influence people.

Conflict in organizations There are five factors which are the main sources of organizational conflict:

Interdependence: different organisational groups depend upon each other to a greater or less extent.
Organizational structures
Rules and regulations
Resource limitations
Cultural differences