LEADERSHIP AND MOTIVATIONIN ORGANIZATION: Module II- Power

and Leadership

Dr. Ashok KumarProfessor and Head (HR & OB)

Amity Business School, Lucknow

Content of Module II

• Introduction, Definition of power, Difference among Power, Authority and Influence

• Sources of Power• Bases of Power in the organization • Application of Contingency model of power based on

French and Raven’s and Kelman Theory• Power Tactics used in Organization –Individual and

Intergroup Strategies, Situational Influences, Intergroup Power tactics

• Self Assessment Questionnaires and Case Study

What is Leadership?

Leadership is the ability to influence individuals or groups to think, feel and take willingly and enthusiastically action to achieve goals.

Leadership

• The ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals

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Power

It is capacity of a person, team ororganization (A) to influence other (B) so that B acts in accordance with A’s wishes. It is potential to do so.

© 2008 by South-Western, a division of Cengage Learning

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Influence and Authority

InfluenceThe process of affecting the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of another person.

AuthorityThe right to influence another person.

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Power vs. Authority

• POWER– Ability (potential) to influence others to bring

about desired outcomes• AUTHORITY

– Flows down the vertical hierarchy– Prescribed by the formal hierarchy– Vested in the position held

© 2008 by South-Western, a division of Cengage Learning

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Intergroup Sources of Power

• Critical Resources• Strategic contingencies

© 2008 by South-Western, a division of Cengage Learning

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Critical Resources

When one group controls an important resource that another group desires, the first group holds power.

© 2008 by South-Western, a division of Cengage Learning

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Strategic Contingencies

Activities that other groups depend on in order to complete their tasks.

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Contingencies of Power

Substitutability : The extent to which people dependent on a resource and alternative to that resource.

Centrality: The degree and nature ofinterdependence betweenthe power holder and others.

Discretion: The freedom to exercise judgment.

Visibility : When power base is visible to others.

© 2008 by South-Western, a division of Cengage Learning

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Factors That Give a Group Control Over a Strategic Contingency

1. The ability to cope with uncertainty.2. A high degree of centrality within the

organization.3. Nonsubstitutability – the extent to which a

group performs a function that is indispensable to an organization.

4. The extent to which power is visible to other party

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Bases of Power

1. Formal Power: It is based on an individual’sposition in an organization. Formal power cancome from the ability to coerce or reward, orfrom formal authority.

1.1 Coercive Power: It is dependent on fear1.2 Reward Power : It is based on positive

benefits.1.3 Legitimate Power: It is based on structural

position

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Base of Power (Contd)

2. Personal Power: It comes from an individual’s unique characteristics.

2.1 Expert Power: Experience, special skill or knowledge.

2.2 Referent Power: It is based on desirableresources or personal traits.It is also known as charismaticpower.

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Operating Value of Power

Fixed

Free

LegitimatePower

( Direction Style)

Reward andCoercive Power( Pressure Style)

ExpertPower

( Logical Persuasion

Style)

Referent Power

( ExchangeStyle)

Cool Hot

Contingency model of power based on French and Raven

FIVE BASES OF POWER GIVEN IN 1959:1. Coercive2. Reward3. Legitimate4. Referent5. ExpertSIXTH BASE ADDED BY RAVEN IN 19656. Informational Power

Contingent Factors

• Legitimacy• Limits of Authority• Credibility• Situational Factors• Dependency of Followers• Maturity of Followers

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Power Tactics

How do people translate power bases in to specific actions for influencing others:

• Legitimacy• Rational persuasion• Inspirational appeals• Consultation• Exchange• Personal appeals• Ingratiation• Pressure• Coalition

Kelman’s Theory of Social Influence

1.Compliance: People appear to agree but actually keep dissenting opinion in private

2.Identification: People are influenced by some one who is liked and respected

3.Internalization: People accept a belief or behavior and agree both publically and privately

Three broad varieties of Social Influence-

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Influencing the Hierarchy

• Seniors -Rational persuasion• Juniors -Inspirational appeals -Pressure -Legitimacy• Peers -Consultation -Coalition -Personal appeals

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Managing with Power

• Diagnose the political landscape• Views of others on issues of your concern• Acquiring and using power• Understanding the strategies and tactics of

power