Power and Conflict (1)

7/28/2019 Power and Conflict (1)

1/13

Power and Conflict Management

Fadia Hasna

December 2003


2/13

Learning Objectives

1. Define and describe power andempowerment

2. Analyse power in organisations3. Interpret the types of power nurses have

4. Define and discuss conflict, types of

conflict, processes and sources of conflict5. Discuss conflict management and

resolution techniques and outcomes


3/13

Some realities about power, conflict

and nurses All nurses possess some form of power and

experience some form of conflict in their everydaywork experience

Power and conflict are basic elements of workinglife

There is no total agreement about the definition ofpower

Power is a central factor in interpersonalcommunication

Transformative leadership uses power wisely


4/13

Definitions

Power: The capability of acting or producing an

effect, usually associated with the ability to

influence the allocation of scarce resources (Grant1994)

The production by some persons of intended

effects on others (Price and Mueller 1986) The basic energy to initiate and sustain action

translating intention into reality (Bennis and

Nanus 1985)


5/13

Empowerment

Definition of empowerment: giving

individuals the authority, responsibility, and

freedom to act on what they know and

instilling in them belief and confidence in

their own ability to achieve and succeed

(Kramer and Shmalenberg, 1990)


6/13

Two types of power

1. Personal power: individuals who seek personalpower seek dominance for the sake ofdominance and conquest . They reject

loyalty to the institution.Definitions of personal power

The belief that a person can do something

The extent to which followers respect, are

committed to, and are willing to follow aleader (Hersey et. Al. 1996)

Trust is the foundation of personal power


7/13

Professional power

2. Professional power: individuals who seek institutionpower sacrifice their own self-interest for the good ofthe organisation, feel a responsibility to build up theorganisation and have a strong sense of fairness and

justice

Definitions:

Getting therewards from doing a job, acquiringexpertise, being liked and having charisma.

The use of professional expertise and competence, tomake change in an organisation, do something goodfor clients, advance the profession, or make acontribution.


8/13

Power MechanismsUsed to influence others to do what is desired by the power

strategist1. Assertiveness: Expressing your position to another

without inhibiting the rights of others.

2. Ingratiation: Trying to make the other feel important(Giving praise or sympathising)

3. Rationality: using logical and rational arguments,providing information, presenting reasons, laying ideasout in a logical way

4. Sanctions: are threats positive sanctions are rewards usedin motivation

5. Exchange: to persuade an exchange is made scratchingeach others back


9/13

Power Mechanisms (continued)

6. Upward appeal: Taking it to a higher authority

to arbitrate

7. Blocking: deliberately blocking others fromgetting their way, threatening to stop working

with them, ignoring them, not being friendly,

making sure others CANNOT accomplish their

aims

8. Coalitions: a group of people getting together to

negotiate as one voice


10/13

Sources of power (French and

Ravens 1959)1. Reward power: giving something of value. The ability to

deliver desired results. Raise promotion, day shift

2. Coercive power: force against the will. Threat of firing,

disciplinary action, the ability to threaten punishmentand deliver penalties.

3. Expert power means the use of expertise by knowledge,competence, communication,

4. Referent power: more difficult to understand because it

is subtle. An informal leadership based on liking,charisma or personal power. An inspiration power,

5. Legitimate power means position power.The right tocommand within the organisational structure.

6. Other sources: information is power, group decision-

making


11/13

Power and Leadership

Moderate LowHigh

TellingSellingDelegation

CoerciveRewardReferentExpert

Participation

InformationLegitimate Connection


12/13

Tactics to obtain power in an

organisation Learn and use the organisations language,

symbols, priorities, and lines of power

Determine who has power and get to know them Develop professional knowledge and power skills

Be proactive and take risks

Assume authority Promote yourself and take care of yourself

Meet the bosss needs


13/13

Documents

Power and Conflict (1)