Exam 12: Power and Politics

When the desired outcome of power is to convince a group of people to accept a particular decision,which of the following power tactics would be most effective?

Power is politics in action.

________ power is broader than the power to coerce and reward.

Contrast leadership and power.

Rigid adherence to rules exemplifies overconforming defensive behaviour.

Political activity is probably more a function of the organisation's characteristics than of individual differences.

A has ________ power over B if A can dismiss,suspend,or demote B,assuming that B values his or her job.

Tyler has become stressed out at work.His performance has slipped and his superiors are beginning to notice.What is the most likely cause for Tyler's change in behaviour?

Formal power can come from:

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. Marie's supervisor is guilty of:

Research suggests that people from politically turbulent countries in the Middle East or Latin America might be more accepting of organisational politics,and even more willing to use aggressive political tactics in the workplace,than people from countries such as Australia,Great Britain or Switzerland.

Power tactics explain:

Political behaviour is outside one/s specified job requirements.

James was aware that his executive assistant was being harassed,so he cannot be held accountable.

Your colleagues at work are constantly talking about the company's vice president.He is feared throughout the organisation as a ruthless man who is not to be antagonised.It is necessary for you to bring him a report and you are very nervous about having to deal with him. The one base of power that the vice president does NOT seem to have is:

Describe three things that create resource dependency.

Political behaviour in organisations is:

Jerod is relatively new to Xenon Corporation and wants to make sure that he makes a good impression on his co-workers and supervisor.He agrees with the supervisor's opinion most of the time and is always doing nice things for him.Jerod makes sure that he associates with the 'right' people and is constantly complimenting others about their good work. Jerod is engaging in all of the following impression management techniques EXCEPT:

To determine whether a political action is ethical,which of the following questions should you consider?

Catherine and Bernice are faculty members at a local college who feel very differently about their academic dean.Catherine believes that he is always engaging in political activity that is not in the best interests of the college.She describes him as a man who passes the buck,is scheming and arrogant.Bernice believes that he is an effective manager.She sees him differently. Bernice's label for what Catherine describes as 'scheming' might be: