BU288 Chapter Notes - Chapter 12: Scapegoating, Taco Bell, Smoke Screen
Document Summary
Organizational behaviour - chapter 12 power, politics, and ethics. Power: the capacity to influence others who are in a state of dependence. It is not always perceived or exercised it is the capacity to influence others. Professors = great degree of potential power in terms of grades, assignment load but under normal circumstances, they only use a small amt of this power. The fact that the target of power is dependent on the powerholder does not imply that a poor relationship exists between the two. Your best friend has power to influence your behaviour b/c you are dependent on them for friendly reactions and social support. Power can flow in any direction in an organization, but often those in higher levels have more power than those at lower levels. The reverse can occur in specific cases a janitor finds out an affair with the ceo and secretary and can exhibit power over them for the ceo to keep their reputation.
