Exam 12: Power and Politics

Excuses are one means of managing impressions so as to avoid negative repercussions of our actions.What should you consider if you are going to make an excuse at work?

What is sexual harassment? How can it represent an unequal distribution of power?

Describe some of the reasons political behaviour is present in the workplace?

Some people who are not in formal leadership positions nonetheless have referent power and exert influence over others because of their:

Powerless people act ethically because they have very little political discretion to exploit.

Marie's supervisor embarrasses her by constantly telling sexual jokes and by making sexual comments.Marie was shocked when she observed that he had sexually explicit material on his computer screen during working hours.Although he has never directly asked her to sleep with him,she feels threatened and is so uncomfortable that it is difficult for her to do her job. Studies show that this situation has as much to do with ________ as it does about sex.

Discuss the effectiveness of IM techniques as related to interview success.

Jake has been promoted to Senior Vice President,a position that gives him legitimate power.

________ occurs when people within organisations use whatever influence they can to taint the facts to support their goals and interests.

The ________ relationship can be seen in the power of occupational categories.In occupations where supply is low relative to demand,compensation is more attractive.

Which Impression management technique works best in interviews?

If A can assign B work activities that B finds unpleasant,or treat B in a manner that B finds embarrassing,A possesses expert power over B.

The power tactic of using flattery,praise or friendly behaviour before making a request is:

'Expert power' refers to influence that derives from:

Megan is understanding of how others react and she plays her role within the organisation.Megan exhibits qualities of a person who has__________________ abilities.

Dependency explains why organisations use single suppliers.

Legitimate power represents the formal authority to control and use organisational resources based on structural position in the organisation.

Which of the following defensive behaviours is a way of avoiding action?

Thomas recognises that his firm is plagued by organisational politics.He is not good at playing games and instead frequently engages in defensive behaviours in order to protect himself and protect his interests. Thomas has decided to play it safe and engage in buffing if he must.These defensive behaviours are part of avoiding:

Most studies confirm that the concept of ________ is central to understanding sexual harassment.