Power and Politics - Essay Example

Power and Politics Define what will be your sources of power as you enter the workplace. Connect the potential sources of power for a recent college graduate to your readings and discussions on power and politics. Power has been defined as “the art and science of influence within organizations” (Power and Politics 2). A review of the discussion notes revealed that sources of power are diverse and individuals could be influenced by the power styles that have been imbibed and inculcated depending on dominant emotional triggers and behavioral patterns (What is Your Power Style? 2). One’s power styles could therefore be deduced as a blend between The Pleaser and The Inspirer where one recognized that power could be wielded from “attempting to connect with others on a personal level.

(and being an) innovative thinker and operate with a consistent commitment to the greater good” (What is Your Power Style? 2). Having identified the power styles, the bases or sources of power that one envisions to manifest as one would enter the workplace (belonging to the hotel and hospitality industry) are the connection, expert and legitimate powers. From the discussion, it was disclosed that connection power is based on connections with important or specifically identified influential persons, either inside or outside of the organization who could be seen as contributory to influencing others to achieve defined goals (Power and Politics 13).

As one’s power style was identified to be The Pleaser, the need to establish connections and to use these connections as points of influence would be seen as effective tools in influencing people to either conform to policies and procedures or avoid being compromised. The Expert Power was identified as a relevant power base through the “possession of expertise, skill, and knowledge, which gain the respect of others” (Power and Politics 14). Likewise, this is also one of the positive powers identified to be used by effective leaders (Techniques of Building Expert Power 1).

Therefore, based on one’s academic background and training, the knowledge gained, as well as the abilities and skills honed during the process would significantly assist in exuding expert power as one enters the workplace. In addition, through the techniques enumerated in the reading (which included gaining expertise, promoting an image of expertise, maintaining credibility, acting confidently and decisively in times of challenges and crisis, keeping informed, being able to recognize concerns of subordinates, and avoiding situations that threaten the self-esteem of subordinates), one’s awareness and understanding on improving expert power is greatly enhanced.

In sum, one realizes that power could be a beneficial and useful force within the organizations when positive power is harnessed. One should therefore focus on developing strengths in influencing others through more positive and productive means, rather than using negative forces such as penalties, threats, or irresponsible control. By using the power styles to one’s advantage, the sources of power that is most needed in the work setting which would significantly assist in influencing people towards the achievement of organizational goals should be effectively used.

Works Cited "Power and Politics." 2012. "Techniques of Building Expert Power." 2012. "What is Your Power Style?" 2012.