Podcast
Questions and Answers
What type of power is considered most effective according to David McClelland?
What type of power is considered most effective according to David McClelland?
Which base of power is likely to have a long-lasting impact?
Which base of power is likely to have a long-lasting impact?
What principle is highlighted by Bounded Ethicality?
What principle is highlighted by Bounded Ethicality?
Which of the following is a characteristic of subunit power in Strategic Contingency Theory?
Which of the following is a characteristic of subunit power in Strategic Contingency Theory?
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What typically contributes to unethical behavior within organizations?
What typically contributes to unethical behavior within organizations?
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What type of power focuses on obtaining approval from others?
What type of power focuses on obtaining approval from others?
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Which aspect of empowerment ensures the right balance of authority delegation?
Which aspect of empowerment ensures the right balance of authority delegation?
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In Strategic Contingency Theory, what quality enhances a subunit's power within an organization?
In Strategic Contingency Theory, what quality enhances a subunit's power within an organization?
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What is a common source of unethical behavior in an organization?
What is a common source of unethical behavior in an organization?
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What describes political skill in the context of power dynamics?
What describes political skill in the context of power dynamics?
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What is the main outcome of using coercive power in an organization?
What is the main outcome of using coercive power in an organization?
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In the context of obtaining power, which strategy is focused on building influential relationships?
In the context of obtaining power, which strategy is focused on building influential relationships?
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What can lead to chaos within an organization when not properly managed?
What can lead to chaos within an organization when not properly managed?
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What is the key factor that can enhance a subunit's power according to Strategic Contingency Theory?
What is the key factor that can enhance a subunit's power according to Strategic Contingency Theory?
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What type of power player uses their position to primarily benefit their organization?
What type of power player uses their position to primarily benefit their organization?
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What is a primary characteristic of effective political skill in organizations?
What is a primary characteristic of effective political skill in organizations?
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Which of the following describes a reaction characterized by defensive strategies in organizational behavior?
Which of the following describes a reaction characterized by defensive strategies in organizational behavior?
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What is a major downside of no or little discretion within an empowerment framework?
What is a major downside of no or little discretion within an empowerment framework?
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Study Notes
Power Bases
- Power arises when one party needs something another possesses, according to Social Exchange Theory. Power dynamics in organizations depend on the ability to meet others' needs or expectations, creating dependencies.
- Five power bases exist: reward, coercive (short-term impact), legitimate (moderate-term), expert, and referent (long-lasting).
- Power can be obtained through relationship building and undertaking impactful tasks.
- Reward Power is based on the ability to provide rewards.
- Coercive Power is based on fear of punishment.
- Legitimate Power is based on a formal position or authority.
- Expert Power is based on knowledge and skills.
- Referent Power is based on admiration or respect.
Empowerment
- Empowerment involves delegating authority appropriately.
- Insufficient discretion generates frustration, while excessive discretion leads to chaos.
- Proper empowerment aligns responsibilities with appropriate authority levels.
- No or little discretion leads to frustration and demotivation.
- Over-empowerment can create chaos if not carefully managed.
Power Types
- David McClelland identified three power types:
- Institutional power (most effective, benefiting the organization)
- Personal power (self-serving)
- Affiliative power (focused on approval)
Strategic Contingency Theory
- Subunits gain power through uncertainty management, critical roles, irreplaceability, and discretion, demonstrated by post-9/11 security departments.
- Subunit power reflects a unit's importance in tackling organizational issues.
- Power comes from being able to address key organizational challenges.
- Subunits gain power by:
- Coping with Uncertainty: Handling unpredictable problems.
- Substitutability: Being irreplaceable.
- Centrality: Having a critical role in the organization's success.
- Discretion: Autonomy to make decisions.
Political Skill and Machiavellianism
- Political skill involves effectively navigating power dynamics.
- Machiavellianism entails manipulative behavior.
- Defensiveness protects against perceived threats.
- Effective political behavior involves balancing self-interest with organizational goals.
Ethics vs. Morals
- Ethics dictate organizational principles, while morals represent personal beliefs about right and wrong.
Sources of Unethical Behavior
- Performance pressures, unclear roles, and cultural norms often contribute to unethical conduct.
- unethical behavior can be driven by pressure to perform, role ambiguity, and cultural norms.
Bounded Ethicality
- Bounded ethicality explains how societal pressures and biases can lead to unintentional unethical acts, like prioritizing deadlines over ethics.
- People make unethical decisions due to cognitive biases and organizational pressures without realizing it.
Obtaining Power
- Cultivating people: Building relationships with influential individuals.
- Doing the right things: Taking on visible and impactful tasks (e.g., solving major problems).
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of power bases and empowerment within organizations. It covers key theories including Social Exchange Theory and Strategic Contingency Theory, along with types of power identified by David McClelland. Test your understanding of how power dynamics shape organizational behavior and decision-making.
