Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of power is based on an individual's position in an organization?
What type of power is based on an individual's position in an organization?
Personal power is completely independent of formal power.
Personal power is completely independent of formal power.
False
What is the term used to describe the power base that relies on fear of negative consequences?
What is the term used to describe the power base that relies on fear of negative consequences?
Coercive power
The greater B’s dependence on A, the greater A's __________ over B.
The greater B’s dependence on A, the greater A's __________ over B.
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Match the type of power with its description:
Match the type of power with its description:
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What is the influence tactic that involves using logical arguments and factual evidence?
What is the influence tactic that involves using logical arguments and factual evidence?
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Personal appeal refers to making an emotional request to persuade someone.
Personal appeal refers to making an emotional request to persuade someone.
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What tactic involves appealing to higher management for assistance in compliance?
What tactic involves appealing to higher management for assistance in compliance?
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The tactic where person A seeks the aid of others to persuade person B is called __________.
The tactic where person A seeks the aid of others to persuade person B is called __________.
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Match the following influence tactics with their definitions:
Match the following influence tactics with their definitions:
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Which of the following best describes Inspirational Appeals?
Which of the following best describes Inspirational Appeals?
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Dependence is directly proportional to the availability of alternative sources of supply.
Dependence is directly proportional to the availability of alternative sources of supply.
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Which tactic is least effective in influencing others?
Which tactic is least effective in influencing others?
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Power always leads to positive decision-making.
Power always leads to positive decision-making.
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What is political skill?
What is political skill?
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People who engage in harassment typically abuse their __________ position.
People who engage in harassment typically abuse their __________ position.
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Match the following harassment types with their descriptions:
Match the following harassment types with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is a common form of sexual harassment?
Which of the following is a common form of sexual harassment?
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Organizational systems can help mitigate the negative effects of power.
Organizational systems can help mitigate the negative effects of power.
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What should organizations do to handle complaints of sexual harassment?
What should organizations do to handle complaints of sexual harassment?
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The people most likely to abuse power are those who start __________ in status and gain power.
The people most likely to abuse power are those who start __________ in status and gain power.
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What is one benefit of empowering employees?
What is one benefit of empowering employees?
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All individuals respond positively to being empowered in the workplace.
All individuals respond positively to being empowered in the workplace.
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Name one characteristic of empowered employees.
Name one characteristic of empowered employees.
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Employees with a sense of ______ believe they can perform their work well.
Employees with a sense of ______ believe they can perform their work well.
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Which of the following is an example of political activity in an organization?
Which of the following is an example of political activity in an organization?
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Impression management techniques are always ethical.
Impression management techniques are always ethical.
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What can be a drawback of empowering employees?
What can be a drawback of empowering employees?
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The ability to influence work outcomes is known as a sense of ______.
The ability to influence work outcomes is known as a sense of ______.
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Match the impression management techniques with their descriptions:
Match the impression management techniques with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Course Information
- Course title: BUS 272 – E100
- Week: 8
- Topic: Power & Politics, Conflict & Negotiation
- Instructor: Melissa McCrae, EdD
Exams
- Read the complete question
- Note the number of marks allocated to each question
- Attend and actively participate in class
- Study the textbook
- Exam will be graded rigorously, use this as a chance to do better
- This exam will be vital for future MOS courses (foundational) and management.
Objectives
- Evaluate the amount of power someone has, the source of their power, and how effectively their power influences others.
- Determine when to empower and when not to empower.
- Understand office politics
- Identify and assess various ways to manage conflict.
- Master effective negotiation skills, including a clear plan.
What is Power?
- Power is the ability of one party (A) to influence the behavior of another party (B) in line with A's desires.
- Dependence stems from B's reliance on A for something vital.
- Power often creates discomfort.
Formal Power
- Formal power derives from a position within an organization.
- Coercive power stems from fear of negative consequences for non-compliance.
- Reward power stems from the ability to grant desired rewards.
- Legitimate power arises from the individual's position in the organizational hierarchy.
Personal Power
- Personal power stems from individual attributes.
- Expert power stems from specialized skills or knowledge.
- Referent power stems from desirable traits or resources.
Which Bases of Power are Most Effective?
- Effectiveness of power bases depends on the response elicited (Commitment > Compliance > Resistance), across various leader power types. (Coercive, Reward, Legitimate, Expert, Referent).
The General Dependence Postulate
- Power is directly linked to dependence.
- The greater B's dependence on A, the more power A wields over B.
- Dependence is inversely proportional to alternative sources of supply.
What Power Bases Do They Have?
- Examples of power bases within organizations (boss over employee, employee over boss, unions over management/employees, charismatic CEOs over employees/non-employees)
Influence Tactics
- Rational Persuasion: Using logic and evidence to convince.
- Inspirational Appeals: Appealing to values and ideals.
- Consultation: Involving others in decision-making.
- Ingratiation: Creating a favorable impression beforehand.
- Exchange: Offering reciprocal benefits.
- Personal Appeal: Appealing to loyalty or friendship.
- Coalition: Seeking the aid of others.
- Legitimating: Justifying a request with authority.
- Upward Appeals: Gaining support from higher management.
- Pressure: Using demands or threats for compliance.
Political Skill
- Political skill is the ability to influence others in ways beneficial to one's objectives.
- More influential in situations with higher stakes.
- Politically skilled individuals often influence others without detection.
How Power Affects People
- Power can lead people to prioritize their own interests over others
- Powerful individuals are more susceptible to threats to their standing
- They are often willing to criticize and marginalize others
- The effect of power is influenced by the individual’s personality and organizational structures.
- Those who rise from lower status positions are most likely to abuse power.
Harassment in the Workplace
- Harassment, including bullying, and sexual harassment, frequently stems from a power imbalance.
- Managers and co-workers may abuse power to exert undue influence.
- Unwelcome behavior, or threats to job security, may be part of workplace harassment.
- Sexual harassment, can include requests, unwanted attention, innuendos, etc., impacting the employee.
Empowering Employees
- Empowering employees gives them independence in decision-making.
- Leads to increased job satisfaction, greater efficiency, and higher productivity.
- Possible drawbacks include resistance from some employees, differing needs and personalities, and increased stress.
Characteristics of Empowered Employees
- Self-determination
- Sense of meaning
- Sense of competence
- Sense of influence
Why Do Politics in An Organization Exist?
- Differing values, goals, and interests
- Limited resources
- Vague or unclear performance criteria
Types of Political Activity
- Attacking or blaming others:
- Using information:
- Managing impressions:
- Building support for ideas:
- Praising others:
- Building coalitions:
- Associating with influential people:
- Creating obligations:
Impression Management Techniques
- Different techniques for managing impressions, to gain approval or advance one's reputation:
- Conformity: Agreeing with others' views to gain approval.
- Excuses: Explanations for negative events to minimize responsibility.
- Apologies: Admitting fault and seeking forgiveness.
- Favors: Doing something nice for others to gain approval.
- Flattery: Complimenting others to enhance your image.
- Self-promotion: Highlighting accomplishments and abilities.
- Enhancement: Presenting one's actions or contributions in a more positive light.
Being Smart About Office Politics
- Frame arguments based on organizational goals.
- Maintain control over organizational resources.
- Establish your importance.
- Build strong working relationships with influential people.
- Remain vigilant about interactions with 'tainted' individuals and maintain positive relationships with your manager.
Conflict Defined
- Conflict exists when one party feels negatively impacted by another party's actions or plans.
- Functional conflict enhances group performance through constructive feedback, while dysfunctional conflict impedes group performance.
Types of Conflict
- Task conflict: disagreements about the work itself.
- Relationship conflict: interpersonal disagreements.
- Process conflict: disagreements about how to do work.
Conflict & Performance
- Moderate levels of conflict tend to increase performance.
- High levels of conflict tend to decrease performance.
Loci of Conflict
- Dyadic conflict: Between two people.
- Intragroup conflict: Within a group or team.
- Intergroup conflict: Between different groups or teams.
Sources of Conflict
- Communication issues (semantic problems, misunderstandings).
- Structural issues (size, specialization; ambiguity, responsibility).
- Personal issues: Personality differences (disagreeableness, neuroticism), emotions, values.
Five Ways to Resolve Conflicts
- Avoiding
- Yielding
- Forcing
- Compromising
- Problem Solving.
Techniques for Managing Work-Related Conflicts
- Problem solving
- Develop overarching goals
- Smoothing
- Compromising
- Avoiding
- Resource expansion
- Authoritative command
- Altering the human variable
- Structural alter
Reasons for Personality Conflicts
- Cultural differences
- Inequalities
- Misunderstandings
- Accusations/Blaming
How to Handle Personality Conflicts
- Communicate directly
- Avoid dragging others into conflict
- Seek support
- Seek alternative solutions, if appropriate
Negotiation
- Negotiation is the process where parties exchange goods or services, and attempt to agree on exchange rates.
- Positions are the stated positions in the negotiation.
- Interests are the underlying concerns or motivations of the parties involved.
Bargaining Strategies
- Distributive bargaining seeks to divide a fixed pie of resources (win-lose).
- Integrative bargaining seeks to create a win-win solution by expanding the resources available.
Distributive vs. Integrative Bargaining
- Compare and contrast distributive and integrative bargaining styles.
Negotiation Process
- Develop a strategy (BATNA).
- Define ground rules.
- Clarify and justify positions.
- Bargain and problem-solve.
- Achieve closure and implementation.
Negotiation Factors
- Personality traits, emotional responses, trustworthiness.
Third-Party Conflict Resolution
- Describe mediators, arbiters, and conciliators.
- Discuss situations where each may be appropriate.
Tips for Successful Negotiations
- Begin with a positive overture.
- Address problems, not personalities.
- Pay less attention to initial offers.
- Emphasize win-win solutions.
- Create a climate of trust.
Next Class
- Organizational Culture
How to Empower Employees
- Clearly define company values and mission.
- Help them develop relevant skills.
- Support their decision-making, and avoid criticizing.
- Recognize their efforts.
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Description
Prepare for your Week 8 exam in BUS 272, focusing on Power & Politics, Conflict & Negotiation. This quiz covers key concepts such as the sources of power, managing office politics, and effective negotiation skills. Ensure you understand the influence of power dynamics and conflict management strategies as you get ready for the exam.
