Organizational Power and Ideology Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What type of power is exercised due to a person’s position in an organizational hierarchy?

  • Coercive power
  • Referent power
  • Positional (legitimate) power (correct)
  • Expert power

Which power base is primarily associated with the ability to provide knowledge and expertise?

  • Reward power
  • Referent power
  • Coercive power
  • Expert power (correct)

In a participatory work team, how does the exercise of power typically differ from traditional hierarchical models?

  • Power is overtly demonstrated and strictly enforced.
  • Power is absent and decisions are made randomly.
  • Power is based solely on role and authority.
  • Power is less centralized and decision-making is more equal. (correct)

What type of power relies on the charisma of the individual exercising influence?

<p>Referent power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which basis of power would generally be used to compel a subordinate to act against their usual behavior?

<p>Coercive power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Understanding power in evolving organizational contexts requires which of the following?

<p>Complex and nuanced theories (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do French and Raven's research findings primarily highlight about power?

<p>Power as influence results in a psychological change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of organizations transitioning to flatter and more collaborative systems?

<p>Complexity in power dynamics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ideology in the context of power dynamics?

<p>To obscure power differences by framing dominant group interests as universal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which movement challenged the narrative of capitalism benefiting everyone?

<p>Occupy Wall Street (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does ideology contribute to the perception of societal contradictions?

<p>By promoting myths that reinforce systemic inequalities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes how dominant groups shape reality to their advantage?

<p>Hegemony (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Burawoy's study, what mindset did workers adopt that reinforced managerial interests?

<p>Making out (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative outcome of excessive organizational identification?

<p>Exploitation of employees in corporate environments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do critical organizational communication scholars typically analyze organizations?

<p>By exploring power dynamics and resistance within organizations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be considered a consequence of ideology in organizational settings?

<p>Diminishing employee autonomy and well-being (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Anthony Giddens refer to as the capacity to act otherwise?

<p>Agency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which model of power emphasizes the prevention of action as a means of exercising power?

<p>Two-Dimensional Model (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor diminishes the effectiveness of reward power?

<p>Loss of appeal in rewards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Robert Dahl’s views on power differ from those of political elitists?

<p>Dahl emphasizes overt conflict, while elitists focus on subtle manipulation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Steven Lukes argue about the ultimate exercise of power?

<p>It involves shaping people's beliefs and desires. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Marx interpret the relationship between ideology and power?

<p>Ideology functions to mask group contradictions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'mobilization of bias'?

<p>A group being silenced in a public discussion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the pluralist view of power emphasize?

<p>Power is distributed among multiple groups. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does ideology complicate societal relationships?

<p>By portraying societal norms as inherent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Three-Dimensional Model of Power introduced by Lukes?

<p>The internalization of desires by individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do businesses exert power over individuals according to the Three-Dimensional Model?

<p>By shaping consumer needs through marketing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'agency' play in understanding power dynamics?

<p>It emphasizes the flexibility of action in constrained situations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What societal characteristic is emphasized by the U.S. ideology of individualism?

<p>Free-market capitalism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Power in organizations

Power is a key element in organizational interactions and events, affecting dynamics and relationships.

Political sites

Organizations are viewed as arenas where various forces and interests compete and interact.

Overt power

Power that is clearly visible and exercised in hierarchical relationships.

Decentralized power

Power structure that supports equal decision-making among participants.

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Five bases of power

French and Raven identified five types of power: positional, referent, expert, reward, and coercive.

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Positional power

Power derived from an individual’s position within an organizational hierarchy.

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Referent power

Power based on the charisma and appeal of the person influencing others.

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Expert power

Power stemming from specialized knowledge or skills that others do not possess.

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Ideology

A system of ideas that represents group interests as universal, often obscuring power differences.

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Hegemony

The dominance of one group over others, shaping reality to favor its interests.

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Occupy Wall Street

A movement that challenged the narrative of capitalism benefiting all, exposing elite advantages.

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Systemic Inequalities

Deep-rooted disparities in wealth and opportunities that remain hidden by ideology.

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Equal Opportunity Myth

The false belief that everyone has the same chances to succeed in society.

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Power Dynamics in Organizations

The relationships and struggles for control within companies that affect employee behavior.

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Organizational Communication

The ways in which organizations create and communicate meaning to their members.

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Exploitation in Corporate Environments

Practices that prioritize efficiency over employee well-being, limiting autonomy.

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Bases of Power

Categories of power a person can hold, including coercive, reward, and positional power.

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Relational Power

Power that depends on the relationship between the power holder and the subordinate.

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Coercive Power

Power that relies on threats or punishment to influence behavior.

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Reward Power

Influence based on providing benefits or rewards for compliance.

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Dynamic Nature of Power

Power is fluid and changes with social interactions and contexts.

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Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make choices.

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One-Dimensional Model of Power

Power viewed as the ability to influence others against their usual behavior.

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Two-Dimensional Model of Power

Power that includes both influencing actions and preventing decisions.

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Mobilization of Bias

The process whereby elites shape discussions to avoid conflict.

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Three-Dimensional Model of Power

Power to shape desires, beliefs, and values, often without conflict.

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Dominant Ideology

The prevailing ideas in a society that reflect the interests of the ruling class.

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Cultural Context of Power

Power dynamics influenced by cultural identities and narratives.

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Reification

The process of treating abstract concepts as if they were concrete or inevitable.

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Conflict in Power

The existence of opposing interests or perspectives that drive power dynamics.

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Study Notes

Organizational Power and Ideology

  • Power is central to organizational life, influencing even routine activities. It operates as a political force, with different actors vying for influence using economic, political, and symbolic resources.

  • Power's visibility varies. It's overt in hierarchical structures like professor-student relationships, where power is clearly exercised. It's less explicit in participatory work teams, where power aims to be more equitable.

  • Understanding power requires nuanced theories, as its nature evolves with organizational change.

Power as Social Influence

  • French and Raven's model identifies five bases of power: positional (legitimate), referent (charisma), expert, reward, and coercive.

  • These power bases often overlap, and power is inherently relational, dependent on interdependence between those in power and subordinates.

  • Power is dynamic and relational, not static. It relies on the value others place on certain resources.

Different Models of Power

  • One-Dimensional Model (Dahl): Power is the ability to influence another to act differently. It requires conflict and focuses on observable outcomes.

  • Two-Dimensional Model (Bachrach & Baratz): Power extends beyond influence. It also involves preventing actions from happening or allowing only certain avenues for expression. It emphasizes the "mobilization of bias".

  • Three-Dimensional Model (Lukes): Power operates in more subtle ways, influencing beliefs, wants, and values, potentially creating conformity through internalizing desires and behaviours aligned with the powerholder. It's not limited to conflict.

Ideology and Power

  • Ideology acts as an interpretive lens, shaping perceptions, values, and possibilities. It is often connected to power, with dominant groups shaping societal ideas.

  • Different ideologies shape power dynamics; for example, the ideology of individualism in the US contrasts with collectivism in some European societies.

  • Ideology shapes communication and identity. Example: the representation of race in colonial Jamaica versus 1950s Britain, showing how discourse creates meaning and power.

  • Ideology obscures power relations by presenting dominant group interests as universal and masking contradictions inherent in society. It also naturalizes relations, seemingly making it appear normal and unchanging.

Organizational Communication and Power

  • Critical organizational communication scholars study power dynamics and resistance within organizations.

  • They examine how organizations shape employee behaviour and how employees resist, using communication practices (stories, rituals, metaphors).

  • Hegemony is a key concept, where dominant groups successfully shape reality. Example: employees' internalizing organizational goals to avoid conflict. This can reinforce hierarchies and exploit workers.

  • These practices limit autonomy and well-being.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the dynamics of power within organizations, exploring the various bases of power as identified by French and Raven. This quiz covers the influence of structures and relationships in organizational life, highlighting the complexities and nuances of power. Understand how power operates across different contexts and its impact on routine activities.

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