Power and politics are comparable because influence and persuasion is what finishes a job. The differences are the methods used to accomplish a task. This paper defines power, different types of power, and leadership. Additionally, positive and negative aspects of office politics are discussed. Furthermore, this paper examines how an employee can use both to influence his or her personnel in a positive or a negative way, which eventually leads to the growth or destruction of an organization.
Power
Power is broadly defined as "the capacity to bring about change" (beyond intractability, 2007). Power takes many forms, comes from many places and is measured in many ways. Understanding all the varieties of power is essential if one is to understand who has the power, who does not, and how those who do not have it can get some type of power (beyond intractability, 2007). Being an effective manager requires one to acquire the power and connection necessary within the organization to reach the goals and objectives. A few potential sources of power in an organization are legitimate, coercive and reward power.
A leader with legitimate power has the authority and right to tell subordinates what to do. Employees are obligated to comply with the legitimate orders. For example, a supervisor tells an employee to wear safety goggles while using the machinery; the employee must wear the goggles because one has to obey the authority of the boss.
Coercive Power has the control over punishment. Discipline is a word that has many meanings and is often interpreted in a negative way. However, from a management’s perspective, the purpose of discipline is to develop people who are able to control themselves and do what is ri ...