Page 42 - eBOOK ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR FULL REPORT (eISBN)

CHAPTER 5: POWER AND POLITICS

5.1 Introduction

Managers use power and politics to control their members, maintain and preserve
themselves. Power and politics are integrated processes that have to be managed and used

effectively. This will ensure the organization can maintain the organizational cohesion and

express their differences.

5.2 Definition of Power

Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others to get what you want. It refers to a

capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so B acts in accordance with A’s wishes.

5.3 Bases of Power

a) Coercive Power

The ability to take something away or punish someone for noncompliance. Coercive
power often works through fear and it forces people to do something that ordinarily they

would not choose to do.

b) Reward Power

Reward power is the ability to grant a reward, such as an increase in pay, a perk, or an
attractive job assignment.

c) Legitimate Power

It is the power that comes from one’s organizational role or position.
d) Expert Power

Expert power comes from knowledge and skill. Someone who have expert power in an

organization include long-time employees, such as a steelworker who knows the

temperature combinations and length of time to get the best yields.

32 | P a g e