The Power Play: Understanding Its Role, Types, and Sources in Management

Managerial power is derived from the position of a manager within an organization. This power is instrumental in facilitating the execution of tasks and decision-making processes within the organizational structure.

What is Power in Management?

Managers, leaders, or other authorities within a company possess the power to influence others to achieve organizational objectives. This ability to influence is a crucial component of managerial power and is often utilized by successful managers to achieve favorable outcomes from their team members. Effective managers understand how to leverage their influence to motivate others to act in alignment with the organization's goals.

To understand the concept of managerial power, understanding the general power concept that human beings naturally possess is also crucial here-

What is Power?

The concept of power can be described as an individual's capacity to effectively delegate tasks to others. This ability becomes more potent with a higher level of power, allowing for a greater amount of personal achievements to be realized.

Nevertheless, a well-known adage has stood the test of time: "With great power comes great responsibility."

However, the use of greater power by an individual cannot be justified on moral grounds. In all human relationships, power dynamics play a primary role and can take on either of the two forms described below:

1. Compulsion

The ability to force somebody into something that you command

2. Influence

The ability to encourage somebody into something that you command

Compulsion Vs Influence forms of Power

By contrast, influence is a more successful tactic when it comes to gaining power. Building a strong reputation and increasing one's sphere of influence are key components of this approach.

In contrast to influence, compulsion relies on coercion to achieve its goals. This can involve forcing individuals to comply with certain actions or behaviors, even if they are unwilling or opposed to them.

The effects of a compulsion power strategy may be immediate, but they tend to be short-lived and often lead to resentment in the long term. On the other hand, influence can have a more lasting impact. When used correctly, it can subtly shape behavior without triggering resistance or negative feelings.

From Abraham Lincoln’s thoughts-

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

Psychology of Power

Power is the manipulation of context and social influence on objective facts by individuals, such as the outcomes of other people's actions. The human mind employs power in various forms to advance mankind. This idea is objectively linked to practical assertion and measurement.

As a psychological concept, power refers to an entity's capacity to control its environment, including the behavior of other entities. This notion is widely accepted within social structures, but can be wielded in both just and malevolent ways.

Throughout their evolutionary history, humans have embraced the use of power in various forms. It's important to note that power need not be synonymous with force or coercion; in everyday language, we often refer to this concept as influence. However, some individuals make a distinction between influence and power.

The Bases of Power in Management

Managers get their power from the organization which is positional power, plus they also get it from themselves as well which is personal power.

These two powers are also understood as the basis of power.

In 1959, John French and Bertram Raven described these 2 bases of power by classifying them into six bases of power.

1. Position Power Sources

Legitimate Power

Reward Power

Coercive Power

Information Power

2. Personal Power of Sources

Expert Power

Referent Power

We will talk about these bases or sources of power in details in the next section while talking about the different types of power that might exist in an organizational setup-

Sources of Power in Management

1. Formal Power

Effective management requires a balance between positional power and personal power. These two types of power are also known as sources of power. To better understand their importance, let's explore each in more detail.

Rewards and punishments can be given based on the person's position within the hierarchy, while the control of information can also be used to gain leverage and influence over others.

2. Legitimate Power

Legitimate power, also known as positional power, is determined by a person's position of responsibility within an organization. This power base grants access to various other power bases and is a crucial aspect of structural power within different organizations.

Job descriptions often rely on the assistance of junior employees and workers in order to keep managers updated and delegate tasks. An important example of this is the power held by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), which must be obtained and exercised in a legitimate manner according to established rules.

3. Expert Power

Expert power is a summation of a person’s expertise, knowledge, or skill-set. This can be a particular domain or area where the person has earned the experience and expertise.

4. Referent Power

Referent power is often bestowed upon individuals who possess desirable personal traits or have access to necessary resources. This type of power can be observed in the influence of celebrities and film stars, who often have a large and devoted following among the general population.

5. Coercive Power

Coercive power is a form of authority that is granted through the ability to impose sanctions, punishments, transfers, and other methods of intimidation to enforce compliance with the power holder's wishes. This type of power relies heavily on the use of threats to coerce individuals into following the desired course of action.

6. Reward Power

Reward power is a type of influence that operates on the principle of positive reinforcement. Unlike coercive power, it relies on the exchange of benefits and rewards in return for compliance with the desires and wishes of the person in power. This can take many forms, such as offering training opportunities, monetary benefits, or other perks that are designed to incentivize people to do what is being asked of them.

7. Informational Power

This is given to people who are having the wanted or required information. This is for a short duration of time, and can’t necessarily build credibility and long-term respect.

8. Connection Power

The ability to wield such influence often comes from one's association with individuals of significant power or renown. Building a strong network can greatly enhance this ability, as each new connection made can bring even greater influence and opportunities.

9. Political Power

The strength an individual can acquire through the support of a collective is remarkable. It originates from the leader's proficiency in collaborating with social structures and individuals to garner unwavering backing and loyalty from the entirety.

10. Charismatic Power

Individuals who possess an international style, unique aroma, and charismatic personality have a certain type of power. They are able to gain support from a large audience due to their ability to connect with their followers and their willingness to try unconventional methods. Check out this video on the topic of power.

Balance of Power

When a nation or group of nations are faced with opposition from another nation or group, they may adopt a policy and posture known as the balance of power in order to safeguard their interests. This approach involves matching the opposing side's powers in order to maintain equilibrium. The concept of the balance of power was first introduced during World War 1, when European states joined forces to put an end to the Napoleonic era.

Theories of Power

1. The Pluralist Theory

The functionalist theory places great emphasis on the efficient and effective functioning of society. In the realm of politics, this translates to the Pluralist Theory which focuses on the presence of multiple groups and their ability to participate in the decision-making process.

According to the Pluralist Theory, the government acts as an impartial participant when it has to be active in the entire process.

2. The Elite Theory

However, some theorists argue against this view of power. They believe that power is not solely concentrated in the hands of the ruling class comprised of individuals in big businesses, government, and the military.

Conclusion!

The utilization of various bases of power, including those outlined by John French and Bertram Raven, is essential for effectively and efficiently carrying out organizational tasks in a constructive and productive manner.

The influence of managerial power is crucial in driving results and optimizing organizational performance among associated members. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the role of power in management, please do not hesitate to ask us in the comment section below.