Power and Politics: A Dominating Influence
Abstract
Speaking the words "power" and "politics" may bring a sense of empowerment to many. However, power and politics in the workplace can either be a positive or a negative factor. The following paper was assigned to the students for them to describe the premise of power and politics in the workplace and then to compare the influence of power and politics on real-world companies. This comparison shows how power and politics were used in these companies and the influence they had on not only the organization itself but on other companies and the outside community at large. This command in organizations by management of all levels is a large responsibility not to be taken lightly. The overall success of the organization lies in the hands of those who wield control through power and politics.
In order to compare and contrast the dramatic influence of power and politics the definitions of both must be examined. In addition to defining these terms Team B will examine the interaction and widespread implications that occurred from the influence of power and political posturing that occurs in corporations daily.
Power Defined
Power is the ability to make someone do something you want done or the ability to make something happen in the way one desires them to do it (Schermerhorn, J.R; Hunt, J.G; & Osborn, R.N., 2006a, p.2, ch.12). When one discusses power in a business setting there are two types of power: positional power and personal power. The effect of the use of power on behavior is called influence.
Positional power in a business setting is the power that a person holds due to their position in the organization. For a manager th ...