group dynamicsgroup dynamics

crystal l.hoyt

A Definition of PowerA Definition of Power

A B

Power

A capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so that B acts in accordance with A’s wishes.

Bases of Power: Formal PowerBases of Power: Formal Power

Coercive PowerA power base dependent on fear.Reward PowerCompliance achieved based on the ability to distribute rewards that others view as valuable

Formal Power

Is established by an individual’s position in an organization; conveys the ability to coerce or reward, from formal authority, or from control of information.

Bases of Power: Formal Power (cont’d)Bases of Power: Formal Power (cont’d)

Legitimate Power

The power a person receives as a result of his or her position in the formal hierarchy of an organization.Information Power

Power that comes from access to and control over information.

Bases of Power: Personal PowerBases of Power: Personal Power

Expert Power

Influence based on special skills or knowledge.Referent Power

Influence based on possession by an individual of desirable resources or personal traits.

Which Base of Power?Which Base of Power?

You Drink and Drive… You Lose!– You can lose your license, time from your job,

and lose money in fines and court costs. If you are involved in an accident while impaired, you could face imprisonment for vehicular manslaughter or homicide.

Which Base of Power?Which Base of Power?

Which Base of Power?Which Base of Power?

Which Base of Power?Which Base of Power?

Uncle Sam Wants YOU!

Which Base of Power?Which Base of Power?

“Four out of five dentists recommend sugarless gum for their patients who chew gum."

Power TacticsPower Tactics

Influence Tactics:

• Legitimacy

• Rational persuasion

• Inspirational appeals

• Consultation

• Exchange

• Personal appeals

• Ingratiation

• Pressure

• Coalitions

Influence Tactics:

• Legitimacy

• Rational persuasion

• Inspirational appeals

• Consultation

• Exchange

• Personal appeals

• Ingratiation

• Pressure

• Coalitions

Power Tactics

Ways in which individuals translate power bases into specific actions.

Preferred Power Tactics by Influence DirectionPreferred Power Tactics by Influence Direction

Upward Influence Downward Influence Lateral Influence

Rational persuasion Rational persuasion Rational persuasion

Inspirational appeals Consultation

Pressure Ingratiation

Consultation Exchange

Ingratiation Legitimacy

Exchange Personal appeals

Legitimacy Coalitions

Apply It!Apply It!

Identify the power bases and the power tactics (listed here and in Table 8-2) that you most frequently use.

Influence Tactics:

• Legitimacy

• Rational persuasion

• Inspirational appeals

• Consultation

• Exchange

• Personal appeals

• Ingratiation

• Pressure

• Coalitions

Influence Tactics:

• Legitimacy

• Rational persuasion

• Inspirational appeals

• Consultation

• Exchange

• Personal appeals

• Ingratiation

• Pressure

• Coalitions

The Milgram ExperimentsThe Milgram Experiments

Obedience– Willingness to obey

the commands of a legitimate authority

Procedures:– ‘Teacher’ & ‘Student’:

learn word pairs– ‘Teacher’ required to

administer shock to ‘learner’ for errors

Obedience SongObedience Song

Obedience Song (4.067 MB)

….this is what happens when social psychologists have too much time on their hands…