LA13 Bueno

Learning Activity 13: Politics and Power
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in the Subject:

Human Behavior in Organization
HRM 2131 (2-166)
Submitted to:
Sir Caesar M. Billones
Submitted by:
Fatima Jean L. Bueno
BS Management Accounting 3-C
September 01, 2022

What is authority? power?
Most of the time, people think that authority and power mean the same thing.
However, these two terms are actually different from each other. Despite their
similarities in influencing individuals to act in the desired way, there is a subtle
distinction between them. According to Surbhi (2017), authority is the ability to
command others, while power refers to an individual's ability to influence others will or
behavior. Additionally, authority is a legal right bestowed in the hands of senior officials
or management staff, while power is an acquired skill and can be learned through
knowledge and expertise. Also, authority and power differ when it comes to their
sources. As for power, knowledge and competence are its primary sources. Meanwhile,
authority is determined by the person’s position and office. Power can move upward,
downward, diagonally, across, or in any other direction, unlike authority, which only
moves in one way, downward (from superior to subordinate). Furthermore, a person
obtains power, but authority is obtained from a designation; therefore, whoever receives
a designation also receives the authority that comes along with it.
What are the bases of power? Explain.

French & Raven (1959) identified five bases of power, which are grouped into
formal and personal power. Under formal power, there are three bases, while under
personal power, there are two bases. The three bases under formal power are coercive,
reward, and legitimate powers. On the other hand, the two bases under personal power
are expert and referent powers.
A person's position in an organization determines their formal power. It can arise
from formal authority, the ability to coerce, or reward. As mentioned, there are three
bases under formal power: coercive, reward, and legitimate. Coercive power depends
on the target's fear of the consequences of not complying. On a physical level, coercive
power is based on the use—or threat of use—of bodily suffering, such as inflicting pain,
the limitation of motion, or the deprivation of essential physiological or safety
requirements. Reward power is the opposite of coercive power; people submit to it
because it results in beneficial outcomes; one who can bestow rewards that others
deem desirable will influence them. These rewards may be monetary (e.g., setting pay
rates, increases, and bonuses) or non-financial (e.g., recognition, promotions, fun
projects, warm coworkers, and preferred work shifts or sales territory). Legitimate power
extends beyond the capacity to coerce and reward. It involves the members'
acceptance of a position's authority in particular. Because of the strong connections to
the idea of hierarchy, individuals automatically assume that leaders are more powerful
when they create longer lines on an organizational chart. In general, teachers, tellers,
and first lieutenants follow orders when school principals, bank presidents, or army
commanders speak.
Moreover, personal power comes from a person’s unique traits. As mentioned,
there are two bases under personal power: expert and referent. The influence exerted
due to knowledge, skill, or competence is known as expert power. We rely increasingly
on specialists to accomplish our aims as employment grow more specialized.
Physicians are widely regarded as possessing knowledge and authority: Most of us
follow our physicians’ advice. Because of their competence, professionals like computer
experts, tax accountants, economists, industrial psychologists, and others have
influence. The basis for referent power is identification with a person who possesses
assets or personality qualities that are appealing. Referent power emerges from
admiration for and wanting to imitate another. For instance, it explains why celebrities
receive millions of dollars to promote products in advertisements. According to
marketing studies, LeBron James and Tom Brady can influence your decision about
athletic shoes and credit cards (Judge & Robbins, 2016).
What is organizational politics?

Describe the factors that influence political behavior.
What is impression management?
Is power necessary in a managerial position?
Why do workers engage in politics? Is it beneficial to the organization?

In our society today, politics do exist in all organizations, including companies in
the business industry. Hence, politics can either be a blessing or a curse for
organizations. Employees would engage in politics because this could negatively affect
their job performance.
Do you think that being political is also ethical? Why?
Reflection
In this learning activity, I learned the importance of politics and power in an
organization. I learned that power and authority are essential for individuals, particularly
those with top management positions in their respective organizations. Also, I realized
that it is important to learn and understand the bases of power because this can
influence an individual’s performance at work. With that being said, managers need to
comprehend the difference between formal and personal powers. As mentioned, our
position in our respective organizations would determine our formal power. Whereas our
personal power comes from our unique characteristics. Moreover, politics is a crucial
factor in achieving your organizational goals. Thus, it is essential for employees to
engage in politics so as to avoid the negative effects of politics at work.
References:
French and Raven’s Five Forms of Power: – Understanding Where Power Comes From in the
Workplace. (n.d.). Mind Tools.
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_56.htm
Surbhi, S. (2017, July 1). Difference Between Power and Authority (with Comparison Chart).
Key Differences. https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-power-and-
authority.html
Towler, A. (2019, September 30). Organizational politics. CQ Net - Management Skills for
Everyone! https://www.ckju.net/en/blog/organizational-politics-curse-or-blessing/20912

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Learning Activity 13: Politics and Power

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in the Subject:

September 01, 2022

What are the bases of power? Explain.

What is organizational politics?

Why do workers engage in politics? Is it beneficial to the organization?

Workplace. (n.d.). Mind Tools.

Key Differences. https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-power-and-

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