Power & Organisation - Essay Example

aintain a high degree of relevance and importance in the study and understanding of the dynamic movement of the human sociological environment, conduct and behavior. The complexity and diversity of human activity and social order carries with it the inception of uniquely new problems arising from the structural changes in contemporary society. It is then essential to know the various elements and factors that knot the ties of human relations and to identify the causes affecting the same, whether adversely or beneficially.

The focus of this paper is to come up with a critical analysis of the various views made by selected authors in the study and understanding of how knowledge and power affect the relationships between individuals and similarly in their associations and organizations. In so doing, the author aims at obtaining a fresh perspective at improving the practice of the profession of a manager from the explanations and arguments made by authors and practitioners on the subject under the discussion. Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines power, among others, as “(1) the ability to act or produce an effect (2) capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect (3) legal or official authority, capacity, or right or, (4) possession of control, authority, or influence over others;”.

The second definition is the reverse of the first whereby the power is in the passive sense. The individual is capable of achieving his goal through cooperative and collective endeavor with other individuals. Power comes with being able to yield to others or to a common cause or to pursue a common purpose. The third definition is a traditional concept of power usually exercised by some form of discipline and punishment mandated by a political authority. An example is how the citizenry are compelled to obey the laws of government.

The last definition identifies power as the embodiment of that political authority. In this sense, power is exercised by a particular individual