Power is the capability to control and influence people’s behavior as well as the capability to direct the paths and result of events (Oxford University Press, 2015) It can be perceived as good or bad , just or unjust , and its exercise is accepted and acknowledged since the beginning of time. Power may be expressed as Upward , where the leader or superior influences the members or subordinates ; or it may be expressed as Downward , where the members or subordinates influence the decisions of their leader or superior ( Bukowski and Rajagopalan, 2000)
Power may be used through: 1. INFLUENCE -the power to change or affect someone or something; -the power to cause changes without directly forcing them to happen; and -a person or thing that affects someone or something in an important way.
Power may be used through: 2. AUTHORITY LEGITIMACY Authority is the power to give orders or make decisions; the power or right to direct or control someone or something. (Merriam- Webster, Incorporated, 2015) Legitimacy means conformity to the law or to rules. It is the acceptance of the government by the governed because they believe that their leaders have the right to exercise power and authority over them. Legitimacy is a product of power. ( Whalan , 2013; Jones, 2014)
Power may be used through: 2. SOVEREIGNTY Sovereignty is the highest exercise of political power; it is the supreme (and possibly unlimited power) and ultimate authority that cannot be overruled by a higher power. Sovereignty is exercised by government ( Waluchow , 2014)
Dimensions of power
In his book, A Radical View (1974), Steven Michael Lukes discussed three views of power . His idea is that there are certain criteria in measuring the effectiveness and level of power for a given group or individual.
the issue method . focuses only on behavior in decision making which are apparent in observable situations like in making decisions on issues over which there are conflicting interests of the parties involved. - Often, these can be observed through political participation and action. 1. one-dimensional view of power
2. Two-dimensional view of power Setting the agenda. A person or group has power when that person or group consciously or unconsciously creates or reinforces barriers to the public airing of policy conflict. Determining the agenda is an important source of power.
3. Three-dimensional view of power manipulating the view of others. It is the set of ways in which the powerful transforms the powerless in such a way that the latter behaves as the former wishes, even without coerced. This is what Lukes termed as “power of domination.”
Types of power
Reward power Persons who are in power are able to give out rewards. Often, these rewards are in the form of promotions , added benefits , salary increase , training opportunities , or compliments. This form of power is based on the thought that people are more inclined to do things well when they are getting something in return.
COERCIVE POWER This form of power is based upon the idea of compulsion , which means that someone is forced to do something against their will. Coercion is applied when the boss (for example) wants his/her employee to comply. This form of power leads to problems because this is often abused . Moreover, it can lead to unhealthy behavior and dissatisfaction at work.
Legitimate POWER This power gives the elected, selected, or appointed position of authority the ability to administer to other people a certain feeling of obligation or notion of responsibility. Leaders can reward or punish their subordinates based on their actions. Disadvantage: Whenever the leaders lose their title, they also lose their power to persuade or influence their subordinates.
referent POWER Leaders in this form of power are often seen as role models and their power is often treated with admiration or charm. They are highly liked and people identify strongly with them in some way.
expert POWER Influence based on special skills or knowledge. Referent Power influenced based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits. The fact is that, if someone has particular expertise within an organization , they can often persuade employees, who trust and respect them, to do things for them.
Informational POWER Power that comes from access to and control over information. Information is a form of influence and social power by providing information to a person resulting them to think and act in different way.
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