In an organization, just as in a crew boat, power does not come from brute strength or strong direction from top down. Rather, power comes from balance, the willingness to respect that there are many sources of power, and the ability to accept and develop an organization to maximize this knowledge.

What is power in organizational structure?

A power structure focuses on the way power and authority is related between people within groups such as a government, nation, institution, organization, or a society. Such structures are of interest to various fields, including sociology, government, economics, and business.

Why power and leadership balance is important?

And, many good leaders have those qualities, to be sure. But it takes force and influence to lead others effectively. The two approaches complement each other and create a powerful yet adaptable force for action. Good leadership always balances power and influence.

What do you understand by organizational politics?





Organizational politics refers to a variety of activities associated with the use of influence tactics to improve personal or organizational interests.

How do you balance power and responsibility?

The key is understanding the balance between power and responsibility.



  1. Communicate in a direct, timely manner. …
  2. Present a united, positive front. …
  3. Keep the jury out. …
  4. Uphold the chain of command. …
  5. Let your word be your bond. …
  6. Walk the power, responsibility talk. …
  7. Use the power of focus. …
  8. Convey positive expectations.

How do you balance power and authority?

The balance of power theory in international relations suggests that states may secure their survival by preventing any one state from gaining enough military power to dominate all others.

What are the 4 types of organizational behavior?



We will throw some light on each of these four models.

  • Autocratic Model. The root level of this model is power with a managerial orientation of authority. …
  • Custodial Model. The root level of this model is economic resources with a managerial orientation of money. …
  • Supportive Model. …
  • Collegial Model.




What are the types of power?

In 1959, social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven identified five bases of power:

  • Legitimate.
  • Reward.
  • Expert.
  • Referent.
  • Coercive.


What are the 4 types of organizations?

The four types of organizational structures are functional, multi-divisional, flat, and matrix structures.

Why there is need to balance the authority and responsibility in the organization?



The theory is simple, the authority to make decisions and the responsibility for success must balance. Authority without responsibility results in confusion, wasted efforts, and at worst abused power. Responsibility without legal or moral authority destroys any hope of progress.

What are responsibilities of power?

Power not only implies opportunities to ‘make things happen’, but also responsibility to ‘take care of things‘. Power-holders can take responsibility for others and for the tasks at hand. As such, power can be linked to leadership to outline when and for what the powerful do assume responsibility.

How do you balance accountability?

Set clear goals for your team’s work and hold them accountable for completing tasks. That said, don’t micromanage your employees.



Find the right balance

  1. Improve the quality of your team’s work.
  2. Boost engagement and motivation.
  3. Improve communication.
  4. And, ultimately, help you become a better leader.


Which best describe a good leader?



One good definition of an effective leader is “a person who does the following: Creates an inspiring vision of the future. Motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision. Manages delivery of the vision.

What is the role of power in leadership?

In organizational settings, leaders must exert power to achieve individual, team, and organizational goals. Leaders must be able to influence their followers to achieve greater performance; their superiors and peers to make important decisions; and stake- holders to ensure the vitality of the organization.

How can an organization gain power?

Top 10 Tactics Used To Gain Power in an Organizations

  1. Bargaining:
  2. Friendliness:
  3. Coalition:
  4. Competition:
  5. Cooptation:
  6. Reason:
  7. Assertiveness:
  8. Higher Authority:

What is power authority and responsibility?

The authority has the power to give orders and instructions to its subordinates that they may work. Responsibility means duties entrusted to a person at the time of delegation of authority. Authority may be delegated. Responsibility cannot be delegated. A superior can always share his authority with his subordinate.

Which comes first authority or responsibility?

Who can give orders? Whenever authority is used, responsibility ensues. Authority is the legal right to give the command, order or instruction and compel the subordinates to do a certain act. On the other hand, Responsibility is the outcome of authority.

What is the responsibility of the organization?



Although its definition is elaborated in detail later in the chapter, organizational responsibility is defined as context-specific organiza- tional actions and policies that take into account stakeholders’ expectations and the triple bottom line of economic, social, and environmental performance.

What is the relationship between power and leadership?

The concepts of power and leadership are closely linked. Power can be considered as the ability to influence others (Lunenburg 2012). Power is used by leaders to attain group goals, and if you have knowledge about the operation of power in an organisation, it enhances your capacity to be an effective leader.

How does leadership power affect an organization?

Leadership has a direct cause and effect relationship upon organizations and their success. Leaders determine values, culture, change tolerance and employee motivation. They shape institutional strategies including their execution and effectiveness.

What is meant by leadership power?

What is leadership power? Leadership power is the influence that leaders have over their followers. It persuades others to support their efforts and do as they ask. Influence is essential to leadership because leaders cannot exist without it. It is also a key component of power and authority.

What is the difference between seeking power and being an effective leader?



Power is generally controlling and forceful in making followers follow commands. Leadership involves inspiring the subordinates to complete tasks.

What are the five 5 bases of power?

In 1959, social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven identified five bases of power:

  • Legitimate.
  • Reward.
  • Expert.
  • Referent.
  • Coercive.


Why is power important in the workplace?



How leaders and managers choose to exercise their power in the workplace will shape the dynamics of their organization. It will also influence how each employee acts and works toward reaching company goals. Power is also related to self-awareness.

What are the 7 types of power?

7 Types of Power in Leadership

  • Powerful leaders are usually extremely persuasive. In general, power is connected to credibility and influence. …
  • Legitimate Power. …
  • Coercive Power. …
  • Expert Power. …
  • Informational Power. …
  • Power of Reward. …
  • Connection Power. …
  • Referent Power.


What are the 3 sources of power?

The three major categories of energy for electricity generation are fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources. Most electricity is generated with steam turbines using fossil fuels, nuclear, biomass, geothermal, and solar thermal energy.

Who has power in a company?

A corporation generally has three parties sharing power and control: directors, officers, and shareholders. Directors are the managers of the corporation, and officers control the day-to-day decisions and work more closely with the employees.

What are the six bases of power?

These resources are represented in six bases of power: Informational, Reward, Coercion, Legitimate, Expertise, and Referent.

What are the 4 types of power?

Questioning Four Types of Power

  • Expert: power derived from knowledge or skill.
  • Referent: power derived from a sense of identification others feel toward you.
  • Reward: power derived from an ability to reward others.
  • Coercive: power derived from fear of punishment by others.

What is the most effective type of power?

Expert Power

Expert Power



This type of power is often the most effective type of power.

What are some examples of power in the workplace?

In the workplace, a supervisor may possess legitimate power due to the authority of their position. Other examples of titles with legitimate power are a police chief, president or CFO. A loss of title could weaken legitimate power, for example, if a CEO fires the supervisor.

How do leaders gain power?

Highly effective leaders do not get things done by issuing orders and directives to obedient underlings. Rather, they achieve success by unleashing the energy of the organization by creating an environment that generates a sense of commitment and engagement in their people.