Managing With Power: Politics and Influence in Organizations

Book Description

Although much as been written about how to make better decisions, a decision by itself changes nothing. The big problem facing managers and their organizations today is one of implementation--how to get things done in a timely and effective way. Problems of implementation are really issues of how to influence behavior, change the course of events, overcome resistance, and get people to do things they would not otherwise do. In a word, power. Managing With Power provides an in-depth look at the role of power and influence in organizations. Pfeffer shows convincingly that its effective use is an essential component of strong leadership. With vivid examples, he makes a compelling case for the necessity of power in mobilizing the political support and resources to get things done in any organization. He provides an intriguing look at the personal attributes--such as flexibility, stamina, and a high tolerance for conflict--and the structural factors--such as control of resources, access to information, and formal authority--that can help managers advance organizational goals and achieve individual success.

Customer Reviews:

Older but still very relevant.......2007-01-10

Although much of the research described in this book was conducted some years ago, the conclusions are still very relevant. Pfeffer writes well, & the book is very readable. He also goes beyond the research at times to furnish the reader with suggestions that can be very useful for anyone who is part of an organization of any type. Power is a very real phenomenon, & members of organizations (and who isn't?) need to understand how it works & how to deal with it.

A classic, in the HBR style.......2006-07-05

This book is a must-have for any manager's bookshelf. It delves into a topic cited widely in management literature, but seldom covered in depth.

Frameworks for describing and explaining power in business are suggested, with numerous illustrations.

My only disappointments with the book are (a) the lack of empirical generalisations as a basis for the framework (in the HBR style, anecdote counts more than empirical generalision) and (b) the absence of practical advice on what to do with the framework.

Nevertheless, this is still a unique contribution to a very important subject and it is highly recommended.

Eye-opening read.......2006-02-25

Although I am not 100% on board with Pfeffer, he sure did get me thinking about how to recognize behaviors that may be related to power. He also gives excellent (although dated) real-life examples of how leaders used and failed to use politics, and the results of each. If you think politics in organizations stinks, read this book to get a different take. You may just discover some tools that will help you help others.

The ability to influence behavior, events and people.......2004-04-04

Jeffrey Pfeffer is Professor of Organizational Behavior in the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University, California. Previously he has been at the University of Illinois, the University of California at Berkeley, and as a Visiting Professor at the Harvard Business School. He has written several business- and management-related books.

This book consists of four parts, with each part consisting of 3-to-6 chapters. Pfeffer starts with a definition of power: "... the potential ability to influence behavior, to change the course of events, to overcome resistance, and to get people to do things that they would not otherwise do." This power is utilized and realized through politics and influence. Based on above definition the book discusses the details to the implementation process which consists of seven steps:
1. Decide on your goals.
2. Diagnose who is important in getting your goals accomplished.
3. Have a sense of the game being played, the players, and what their positions are.
4. Ascertain the power based of the other players, as well as your own potential and actual sources of power.
5. Determine your relative strength, along with the strength of other players.
6. Diagnose what is going to happen in an organization, as well as preparing yourself to take action.
7. Consider the various strategies or tactics that are available to you, as well as those used by others.

I believe it is important to keep these steps in mind since the book does not follow the sequence of these steps. The other chapters in Part I - Power in Organizations provide help both in diagnosing the extent to which situations are going to involve the use of power and in figuring out who the political actors are and what their points are likely to be. Some important quotes in this part are: "Power is a valuable resource [and] those who have power typically conserve it for important issues [scarcity and importance are correlated]." "Knowing the power of various organizational members and subunits is important, and so is understanding whose help you need in order to achieve your goals."

Part II - Sources of Power, consisting of 6 chapters, considers where power comes from, or some people and some subunits have more power than others. It offers implicit lessons on how to acquire more power and influence for ourselves. "Power comes from being in the 'right' place. A good place or position is one that provides you with: 1. control over resources.; 2. control over or extensive access to information; and 3. formal authority." By using both well-known and practical examples, the author discusses each of these aspects in detail. His view is that although individual attributes are important, being in the right place (in particular, the right subunit) is more important.

Once we know where power comes, we need to know how to use it effectively to get things done. This is the subject of Part III - Strategies and Tactics for Employing Power Effectively, which consists of 6 chapters. It begins with the topic of framing and how the way we see things depends upon the context in which they are seen. This, in turn, is affected by the principles of contrast, commitment, and scarcity. There is also the consideration of interpersonal influence by examining the impact of what others are saying or doing, the effects of liking, and the use of emotional contrast. Understanding this make it possible for us to consider some strategic elements in the exercise and development of power. "It is not enough to know that power exists. It is also critical to know how power is used - to have an arsenal of strategies and tactics that translate power and influence into practical results."

However, the discussions of the strategies and tactics for employing power might us lose sight of what organizations are all about - getting things done. Therefore the final section of the book, Part IV - Power Dynamics, begins by providing some cautionary ideas about how power is lost. It shows how even the mighty fall, and consider what this means for us as we think about own personal relationship to power and influence. This part also considers how power dynamics can be productive or unproductive for the organization. "The book is about managing with power, and it is also about managing power." The final chapter returns to the main subject of the book: getting things done through understanding and using power and influence. "... there is a greater sin than making mistakes or influencing others - the sin of doing nothing."

Yes, I do like this book. It discusses a subject with which most of us have to deal day-in day out, whether we like it or not. Jeffrey Pfeffer provides us with an excellent handbook for understanding power and influence, but also with strategies and tactics on using it. Pfeffer also recognizes that certain individuals are obsessed with politics and power (I think that most of you will know what I am talking about), and therefore finishes the book with some excellent cautionary advice. Although the author has a strong academical background the book is written in a very practical manner complemented with good, understandable examples. Highly recommended.

No Practical Advice.......2002-09-20

This book is too academic with little practical advice, and thus the one star.

Average customer rating:

Power and Influence in Organizations

Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Negotiating | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Organizational Behavior | Business Management | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

Communication | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0761908617

Book Description

This volume is a readily accessible compilation of current, original research in the area of power and influence in organizations. Power and Influence in Organizations offers a rich exploration of emerging trends and new perspectives. Contributors include leading scholars in organizational behavior and theory and major contemporary intellectual pioneers in research on power and influence, including Samuel B. Bacharach, Robert Cialdini, Edward J. Lawler, and Jeffrey Pfeffer. Each contributor provides insight into his or her own research, an overview of general trends, and thoughts about the direction of future research. Topics examined include manipulation of employee perceptions and values; the links between power and accountability; sharing power; the effects of gender on power and influence; illusions of influence; and impression management. Advanced students and scholars in organizational behavior, social influence, power and politics, conflict management, and institutional politics will find Power and Influence in Organizations stimulating and a useful roadmap to present and future research.

Average customer rating:

extra light
an OK book but dont expect too much
Helpful tool in challenging times
Creative approach to communications in the workplace

The Power of Indirect Influence
Judith C. Tingley
Manufacturer: Amer Management Assn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Running Meetings & Presentations | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0814470505

Customer Reviews:

extra light.......2006-04-16

the most powerful aspect of this book is its title (it persuaded me to buy). the author spreads about a tablespoon of jam over twelive slices of bread. creative acronyms for basic concepts. doesn't acknowledge the sophistication of the "influencee" so to speak. too basic.

an OK book but dont expect too much.......2001-08-07

This book is OK. However it hasjust glided over the various methods of indirect influence without going into any great details. Intereting read but dont expect too much from it.

Helpful tool in challenging times.......2001-05-02

Dr. Tingley is right on the mark when it comes to influencing people. The real life examples followed by "the drill" make it a practical tool for people needing results. The book can help in all aspects of life. I would recommend it to all readers interested in success.

Creative approach to communications in the workplace.......2001-01-19

As an executive search consultant representing companies recruiting key individuals and corporate directors, I find this book to be invaluable in facilitating communications in the workplace - perhaps the most critical of all success factors. Personally, as a direct, some would say, too direct, communicator, I appreciate the insights and creative suggestions to help temper my directness while achieving the same outcomes. I recommend this book without qualifiication.

History: Fiction or Science? Dating methods as offered by mathematical statistics. Eclipses and zodiacs. Chronology Vol.I

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? Dating methods as offered by mathematical statistics. Eclipses and zodiacs. Chronology Vol.I
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Delamere Resources
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Controversial Knowledge | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Alexander Technique | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 2913621074
Release Date: 2007-03-19

Product Description

History: Fiction or Science? is the most explosive tractate on history ever written - however, every theory it contains, no matter how unorthodox, is backed by solid scientific data. The book is well-illustrated, contains over 446 graphs and illustrations, copies of ancient manuscripts, and countless facts attesting to the falsity of the chronology used nowadays, which never cease to amaze the reader. Eminent mathematician proves that: Jesus Christ was born in 1153 and crucified in 1186 The Old Testament refers to mediaeval events. Apocalypse was written after 1486. Does this sound uncanny? This version of events is substantiated by hard facts and logic - validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources - to a greater extent than everything you may have read and heard about history before. The dominating historical discourse in its current state was essentially crafted in the XVI century from a rather contradictory jumble of sources such as innumerable copies of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts whose originals had vanished in the Dark Ages and the allegedly irrefutable proof offered by late mediaeval astronomers, resting upon the power of ecclesial authorities. Nearly all of its components are blatantly untrue! For some of us, it shall possibly be quite disturbing to see the magnificent edifice of classical history to turn into an ominous simulacrum brooding over the snake pit of mediaeval politics. Twice so, in fact: the first seeing the legendary millenarian dust on the ancient marble turn into a mere layer of dirt - one that meticulous unprejudiced research can eventually remove. The second, and greater, attack of unease comes with the awareness of just how many areas of human knowledge still trust the three elephants of the consensual chronology to support them. Nothing can remedy that except for an individual chronological revolution happening in the minds of a large enough number of people.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Power and Influence in Organizations: New Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives (PB) (Research in Management)

Average customer rating:

Power and Influence in Organizations: New Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives (PB) (Research in Management)

Manufacturer: IAP - Information Age Publishing Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Industrial | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Production & Operations | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1593114699

Product Description

A volume in Research in Management

(Sponsored by the Southern Management Association)

Series Editors: Chester A. Schriesheim and Linda L. Neider, University of Miami

Power and influence are key processes in organizations, and anyone wanting to learn how to lead or manage organizations effectively must first understand the dynamics associated with such processes. One interesting but not surprising fact about knowledge in this area is that scientific theory and empirical research are not new, having first appeared about 50 years ago.

However, the rate of knowledge advancement in this domain has not been rapid, and there is still much to learn about organizational power and influence processes. Thus, this fifth volume in Research in Management is devoted to highlighting new theoretical and empirical perspectives that advance the frontiers of knowledge about power and influence in organizations.

The chapters of this volume are all related to power and influence, albeit conceptualized somewhat differently and dealing with different substantive domains. However, that these chapters represent interesting and important contributions to knowledge concerning power and influence in organizations, and that each should spark future research that will further enhance the field.

Book Description

In today's climate of tremendous personal and professional pressures, those who lead often yearn for a deeper understanding of how best to marshal and manage the human resources at their disposal. In this book, Robert P. Vecchio brings together the best of current scholarship and practical wisdom in a text that is academically grounded and also a good read.

Given the climate in which organizations now operate—downsizing, new participatory emphases, increasing diversity, globalization, greater legal constraints—supervisors and administrators need to make ever more effective use of the talents they direct. In response to these challenges, a growing number of universities offer a class in leadership as an elective at the upper-division and/or graduate level. But until now there has been an unfilled need for a strong, well-researched yet interesting text designed specifically for these classes.

In Leadership, Vecchio meets this pressing need not only in the sections he authors but also in those chosen by him as editor. An anthology of key writings by renowned contributors, this volume offers advanced students of business, sociology, and psychology an excellent overview of the major issues and theories that concern the field of leadership. For those already in the workplace—professional business people as well as educators, health care workers, public administrators, law enforcement personnel, and directors of not-for-profit groups—this collection delivers the very best from widely recognized journals and periodicals in the areas of general management and leadership.

The book explores six facets of leadership: the myths and facts of what leaders do, power and influence, dysfunctional aspects of leadership, models of leadership, alternative views of leadership, and emerging issues. To all those whose vocational or avocational choices call them to positions of leadership, this volume offers insight, hope, and skills to handle well the challenge of guiding others.

Customer Reviews:

Useful Anthology.......2001-12-21

A useful collection of works by leading authors; covers trait, behavioral, & situational views; major models; power and politics; influence tactics; historical views; the "dark side" and dysfunctional aspects of leadership. Covers practical as well as theoretical perspectives.

DYNAMICS OF POWER IN ORGANIZATION.......1999-10-23

ARTICLE ON POWER OF DYNAMICS INORGANIZATION

DYNAMICS OF POWER IN ORGANIZATION.......1999-10-23

ARTICLE ON POWER OF DYNAMICS INORGANIZATION

Collegiality and Bureaucracy in the Modern University: The Influence of Information and Power on Decision-Making Structures

Average customer rating:

Collegiality and Bureaucracy in the Modern University: The Influence of Information and Power on Decision-Making Structures
James L. Bess
Manufacturer: Teachers College Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Dimensions in Organization Behavior: Influence, Authority and Power

Average customer rating:

Dimensions in Organization Behavior: Influence, Authority and Power

Manufacturer: Stipes Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0875630952

Executive Power: How Executives Influence People and Organizations (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

Average customer rating:

Executive Power: How Executives Influence People and Organizations (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)

Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 087589691X

Female Labour Power: Women Workers' Influence on Business Practices in the British and American Cotton Industries, 1790û1860 (Studies in Labour History)

Average customer rating:

Female Labour Power: Women Workers' Influence on Business Practices in the British and American Cotton Industries, 1790û1860 (Studies in Labour History)
Janet Greenless
Manufacturer: Ashgate Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Labor & Industrial Relations | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Industrial Relations | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books