• Unit 4: Leveraging Power

    Power is a popular topic, because it is so easily misused. We all have some kind of power over others, whether it is earned through a promotion in the organization or just a reflection of knowledge and experience. This unit may alter your understanding of power and teach you that there is nothing wrong with using power (appropriately). In fact, as an employee, you are expected to use the power you have within an organization as you were likely employed for just that reason. Power comes in many forms, but it is almost always used to influence.

    This unit will discuss how influence differs from manipulation and explain how individuals use influence within the workforce. This unit will conclude with a look at the politics within organizations and how ethics apply to power. As you are likely aware, there are too many examples in which power is used improperly in business. Responsible business schools today place extra emphasis upon ethics, especially when talking about subjects such as power.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 11 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • compare and contrast leadership and management;
      • assess the impact of various leadership approaches on organizational effectiveness;
      • define power;
      • differentiate among the sources of power; and
      • identify and describe the factors of organizational politics.

    • 4.1: Power

      • Leading People within Organizations URL

        This chapter introduces us to the concept of leadership. As you read, think about the definition of leadership. What are the traits of an effective leader? What are the behaviors that effective leaders demonstrate? Discover various leadership approaches and determine which approaches are most effective in various situations.

      • "Bad" Bosses Page

        The "bad" boss is an enduring character we all know. Why do these characters exist? The ability of one person to influence others to help achieve group or organizational goals. What does organizational behavior tell us about leadership? What traits come to mind when we think about leaders? What leadership style works best in which situation? Ponder these questions as you watch and take notes. Also, pay attention to the summary of leadership theories.

      • The Dynamics of Leadership Page

        This video is a continuation of our discussion on leadership. We will learn more about the dynamics of leadership, particularly as we address the concepts of collaboration, competition, and change.

      • Organizational Behavior: "Chapter 13: Power and Politics URL

        Read this chapter, which discusses the meaning of power and authority, and the positive and negative factors related to power and influence.

      • Sources of Power Page

        This article examines the six sources of power available to organizational leaders and how leaders can employ these power sources and influence in a meaningful and ethical way. 

      • 4.1.1: Basic Approaches to Leadership

        • Leadership Styles Page

          In the workplace, leaders may adopt different styles depending on what is most appropriate given the situation. Read this short article to learn more about various leadership styles and how each style can contribute to organizational effectiveness.

      • 4.1.2: Modern Issues in Leadership

        • Command-and-Control Leadership vs. People-Centered Leadership Page

          Read this article, which compares and contrasts two very distinct types of leadership, command-and-control leadership and people-centered leadership. Think about the leadership styles you've experienced in your organization. Which of the two styles is more common in your workplace? Can both styles be effective given the appropriate situation?

    • 4.2: Power Bases and Influence

      • Leadership and Power URL

        This article examines the relationship between leadership and power. Although it is written from a religious perspective, the concepts can be applied to many organizational situations.

    • 4.3: Politics

      • 4.3.1: Social Networks

        • 2011 Nonprofit Social Networking Benchmark Report URL

          Read this blog post for examples of how organizations are using social media to engage audiences and network internally and externally.

        • Social Network Analysis URL

          Read this presentation about social network analysis. As you read, note how important networks and interactions are to the work of an organization.

      • 4.3.2: Ethics and Politics

    • Unit 4 Assessment

      • Unit 4 Assessment Quiz

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.