Power and Influence in the Workplace
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Questions and Answers

What is a significant consequence of high-power individuals discounting advice from others?

  • Enhanced collaboration within teams
  • Missed critical insights for better decisions (correct)
  • Improved decision-making quality
  • Decreased authority among peers

    • What contributes to the tendency of high-power individuals to disregard expert advice?

  • Competitive feelings towards experts (correct)
  • Their trust in team capabilities
  • Inability to understand complex information
  • Desire to make decisions independently

    • Which power dynamic can lead to overconfidence among leaders?

  • Legitimate or Positional Power (correct)
  • Reward Power
  • Referent Power
  • Expert Power

    • How can advice-discounting behavior affect team dynamics?

    <p>It may lead to strained relationships and undervaluation of advisors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might powerful individuals see expert advisors as rivals?

    <p>Because they feel threatened by their expertise (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situations is the advice of others particularly valuable for power holders?

    <p>Complex or high-stakes situations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential risk of power fostering overconfidence in decision-making?

    <p>It may result in overlooking important information (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of power could potentially lead to effective decision-making if valued correctly?

    <p>Expert Power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates expert power from other forms of power in the workplace?

    <p>It stems from knowledge, skills, and expertise. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of reward power?

    <p>It involves offering something valuable to others. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Referent power is most closely associated with which of the following?

    <p>Being trusted and respected by others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does positional power function within an organization?

    <p>It is derived from a person's official title or role. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does Organizational Behavior (OB) play in relation to power?

    <p>It helps individuals navigate power dynamics and influence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of power would be best exemplified by a mentor?

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

    What is the main benefit of reward power in the workplace?

    <p>It motivates and reinforces desired behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about positional power is true?

    <p>It is connected to formal authority granted by one’s role. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is positional power based on?

    <p>The role one holds in an organization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential downside of relying heavily on coercive power?

    <p>Creation of a toxic work environment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can perceived generosity affect an individual's status in an organization?

    <p>It can elevate social status and garner respect (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of power is least associated with voluntary compliance among employees?

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

    What is crucial for effectively balancing different types of power in leadership?

    <p>Emotional intelligence and relationship-building skills (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way can being perceived as generous impact one's role in a team context?

    <p>It fosters collaboration and mutual support (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes coercive power in an organizational context?

    <p>It uses threats or punishments to compel actions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concept is NOT typically associated with successfully achieving elevated status in an organization?

    <p>Exercising positional power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Expert Power definition

    Power gained from knowledge, skills, and expertise.

    Organizational Behavior (OB) importance

    OB provides tools to make others work effectively with you.

    Reward Power description

    Power from offering valuable things (bonuses, raises) in exchange for compliance.

    Referent Power meaning

    Power from being trusted, admired, and respected.

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    Referent Power Example

    A trusted person whose opinion is respected due to their traits.

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    Positional Power explanation

    Power from formal authority given by the position.

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    Positional Power synonym

    Another name for Positional power.

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    OB Core Concept

    OB helps navigate workplace power and influence effectively, going beyond just knowing how to work.

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    Advice Discounting

    High-power individuals tend to disregard advice, even from experts, due to factors like competition and overconfidence.

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    Competitive Mindset

    Powerful people may view expert advisors as rivals, challenging their authority or knowledge, leading to advice discounting.

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    Overconfidence

    Power fosters an inflated sense of self-confidence, making individuals less likely to value input from others.

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    Consequences of Advice Discounting

    Ignoring expert advice can lead to poor decisions, strained relationships, and a culture where knowledge is not shared.

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    Expert Power

    Power gained from knowledge, skills, and expertise.

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    Reward Power

    Power from offering valuable things (bonuses, raises) in exchange for compliance.

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    Referent Power

    Power from being trusted, admired, and respected.

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    Legitimate or Positional Power

    Power derived from a formal authority given by a position.

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    Coercive Power

    Power based on using threats or punishments to force compliance. It relies on fear of negative consequences like demotion or undesirable tasks.

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    Coercive Power Effect

    While effective in short-term situations, overuse can create a negative work environment, low morale, and high employee turnover.

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    Generosity and Status

    Being perceived as generous and helpful significantly increases your social status within an organization.

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    Generosity Signals

    Generosity shows you care about others, building trust, admiration, and respect. People see you as a valuable asset.

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    Informal Leader

    Generous individuals are often positioned as informal leaders, influencing others even without formal authority.

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    Benefits of Being Generous

    Being generous can lead to gaining respect and status, becoming an informal leader, and influencing others.

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    Expert Power Effect

    Experts are seen as valuable assets, their opinions are respected, and they often influence decisions.

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    Study Notes

    Power and Influence in the Workplace

    • Power is essential for navigating organizational dynamics effectively
    • Expert Power stems from knowledge, skills, and expertise. It is crucial but not sufficient alone
    • Reward Power involves offering valuable incentives (bonuses, promotions, etc.) in exchange for cooperation or compliance
    • Referent Power arises from respect, admiration, and trust from others. It's not tied to a position
    • Positional Power comes from formal authority or hierarchical position in an organization
    • Coercive Power relies on threats or punishment to gain compliance. However, it can be detrimental to the long-term work environment, often leading to decreased morale and high employee turnover. It should be used sparingly.

    Perceived Generosity and Social Status

    • Perceived generosity signals caring for others' well-being and fosters trust, admiration, and respect
    • Establishing generosity leads to increased social standing in work environments
    • Generosity helps create positive coworker relationships and makes individuals attractive for leadership roles
    • High self-monitors are skilled at adapting their behavior to suit social contexts. They are adept at acquiring elevated social standing in group settings

    Gender Disparities in High-Level Organizational Positions

    • Women are underrepresented in high-level organizational positions
    • Research points to bias and discrimination (unconscious and conscious) as significant barriers for women's advancement
    • Women often view power-related goals differently compared to men. Women tend to place less importance on power-related goals than men.
    • Differences exist in how men and women perceive power and leadership roles. These perceptions might influence whether women actively pursue high-powered positions

    The Role of Emotions and Gender in Negotiations

    • Displaying anger during negotiations can signal seriousness and unwillingness to compromise, potentially leading to favorable outcomes
    • Displaying happiness, however, can sometimes result in exploitation by the counterpart, where the counterpart may profit from the assumed lack of resistance.
    • Women are often socialized to suppress anger, which contrasts with men, who may be more likely to be perceived positively when expressing anger
    • Understanding gender differences in emotional expression is key for effective and successful negotiations

    The Power of Nonconformity and Status

    • Nonconformity, or deviating from social norms, can signal status and power, but often comes with social costs (criticism or exclusion).
    • People perceive nonconformity as a sign of confidence and higher status.
    • Nonconformity is perceived more favorably when it's intended (deliberate) and not accidental or due to ignorance
    • These perceived status gains from nonconformity can positively impact an individual's perceived influence or status.

    Prosocial Norm Violations and Social Hierarchies

    • Power can be achieved by violating (minor) norms that benefit others.
    • This demonstrates autonomy, confidence and a prioritization for the group's well-being

    Power and its Effects on Empathy

    • Power can hinder perspective-taking and empathy.
    • Individuals in positions of power often experience a reduced capacity to understand others' viewpoints and experiences
    • When individuals do experience powerful positions, they may not instinctively or immediately consider other people's feelings or perspectives

    Power and the Illusion of Control

    • Power can lead to an inflated sense of control, leading people to overestimate their influence on events
    • Power holders may be prone to taking excessive risks, making poor decisions

    Power and the Tendency to Ignore Advice

    • Individuals in positions of power are less likely to seek or value advice from others (especially if it directly contrasts with their position or status)
    • Power holders often have a high degree of confidence that their own judgment and decision-making is superior than that of others.
    • This lack of openness to varied advice can harm decision-making processes within organizations or communities.

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    Description

    This quiz explores various forms of power and influence within organizational settings. Understand how different powers, such as expert, reward, and referent, play a role in workplace dynamics. Additionally, learn about the impact of perceived generosity on social status among colleagues.

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