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</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might powerful individuals see expert advisors as rivals?

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

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

    <p>Expert Power</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.</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.</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.</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Referent power</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.</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.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is positional power based on?

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

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

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

    What characterizes coercive power in an organizational context?

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

    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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