POWER

WHAT IS POWER?
• Power comes from the Latin word potere, which
means "to be able." But things with power are
much more than able — they're able to exert a lot
of force. "The powers that be" are those who hold
authority, and "the power behind the throne"
refers to the people who exert influence without
being formally in charge.
• One’s ability to act upon or yield an effect.
PAUL MERCHANT (2005)

• Defined power as the “possession of control,

authority, or influence over others”. Power is
something that controls someone’s mind and action.
• He also stated that this power is a tool that can be
used for the better or for the deterioration of an
organization.
ANTHONY GIDDENS

•“by power is meant the ability of

individuals or groups to make their
own concerns or interest count, even
where others resist”.
MAX WEBER
•“Power is the probability that one actor
within a social relationship will be in a
position to carry out his will despite
resistance, regardless of the basis on which
this probability rests.”
POWER AND
AUTHORITY
 Power Authority
Power is one’s ability to Authority is the official right
Nature influence the beliefs and assumed by a leader to create
actions of others. judgements or to command.

Power can run in any Authority runs downwards in

Flow course the organization.

Organizational Chart Power relationships cannot be Authority relationship can be

shown in organization charts shown in the organization
charts.

Level of management Power does not rest on Authority rests on the

the level of management. level of management.

Position and Person Power lives in the person Authority is given to a

who uses it. position.The leader acquires
the authority only when he is
in that position.
HARD POWER
VS. SOFT
POWER
 HARD POWER
•It describes a nation or political body’s
ability to use economic incentives or
military strengths to influences other’s
behavior.
 SOFT POWER
• Is the ability to shape the preferences of others
through appeal and attraction
• It is non-coercive, the currency of soft power
is culture, political values, and foreign policies.
BASES OF
POWER
1. LEGITIMATE
•Power that comes from one’s
organizational role or position.

2. REWARD
• Power comes from ability to grant a
reward.
3. COERCIVE
• Power comes from the ability to take
something away or punish someone for
noncompliance.
4. EXPERT
• Power comes from knowledge and
skills.
5. INFORMATION
•Power comes from the ability to access
specific information.
6. REFERENT
• Power comes from the personal
characteristics of the person such as the
degree, to which we like, respect, and want
to be like them.
CONSEQUENCES
OF POWER
 POWER AND
ITS
SIGNIFICANCE
• ABILITY TO GIVE SECURITY
• POWER CREATES STATUS
• POWER MEANS HAVING SPECIAL
OPPORTUNITIES
• ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT LAWS AND IMPOSE
PROPER SANCTIONS TO THOSE WHO VIOLATE
THEM
• POWER IS ALSO NECESARRY FOR A COUNTRY
TO IMPROVE ECONOMICALLY
 DEBATE!!!!!!!!!!!!

•In a certain country, who

should have the power? The
PEOPLE or the
GOVERNMENT? WHY?