Power & Authority :: essays research papers

Week 9 Essay 1 bureau and AuthorityAlthough they be very closely related, force play and authority argon two different concepts. motive is needed in order to turn up authority, yet it is also exclusively distinct from authority (Week 9 look at Notes).Power is defined in the course study notes as the readiness of singles or groups to get what they want despite the opposition. Power is derived from a variety of sources including knowledge, experience and environmental uncertainties (Denhardt et al, 2001). It is also important to recognize that berth is specific to each situation. Individuals or groups that may be entirely mesomorphic in one situation may find themselves with little or no power in another. The county Registrar of Voters, who is my boss, is a perfect example. In running the local elections office, she can exercise the ultimate power. However, in a situation where she attempted to get the county selected for a desirable, statewide pilot project, she was powerle ss, completely at the mercy of the Secretary of State. Power is difficult to measure and horizontal to recognize, yet it plays a major role in explaining authority. In organizations, power is most likely exercised in situations where the stakes are high, resources are limited, and goals and processes are unclear (Denhardt et al, 2001). The absence of power in organizations forces us to rely on soley hierarchical authority.When power becomes legitimate, it is then recognized as authority (Denhardt et al, 2001). Power becomes authority when it is accepted and even desired by society. As stated by the course study notes, authority refers to a situation where a person (or group) has been formally granted a leadership position. An individual has authority when everyday norms and regulations support the exercising of power by that individual. In an organizational setting, authority is hierarchal and vested in positions (Week 9 Study Notes), which are defined by organizational charts, p ositions and rules (Week 9 Study Notes). Generally, power in authority also involves the possibility of rewards such as promotions and good instruction execution reviews.