Organizational Power in Perspective
Publication: Leadership and Management in Engineering
Volume 9, Issue 4
Abstract
Power and influence are fundamental human phenomena that are deeply ingrained on the psyche and conscious personality of individuals. The difference between proper and improper use of power is the difference between success and failure, high and low productivity, motivation and disillusionment. This paper includes a review and analysis of the classical concepts of power in management literature, a description of power styles, and classical research findings on the optimum use of power. In it I describe power bases and cover the relationship of power with project uncertainty, organizational climate, situational leadership, productivity, and individual independence. Links are made to leadership styles, and references are made to negative uses of power. Overall, the concept of power is placed in perspective as it relates to management needs, and ideas are discussed for managing and controlling power for the benefit of organizations. The immense advantages of expert power and personal influence (reference power) are emphasized. Overwhelming evidence is presented regarding the negative nature of coercion and authoritativeness as viable management styles in well-developed organizations. Any power base is seen potentially to be double-edged: effective usage depends entirely upon organizational climate and culture. A developed organization must be designed based on increasing use of expert and reference powers that promote reflection and choice in decision making.
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Biographies
Amarjit Singh, C.Eng., FICE, FCIOB is a professor of construction and engineering management at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. He is also a cooperating graduate faculty member of the Department of Public Administration there. He serves as editor in chief of the ASCE Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, and as executive committee chair of the International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference. Professor Singh was awarded his university’s top teaching award in 2009—the Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. He is currently engaged on a research project from the US Geological Survey related to the asset management of water supply utilities. Professor Singh is also the faculty adviser to the Engineers without Borders student chapter. He is finishing a three-year term as Director of the Board of his university’s union. Most of all, he enjoys paddling off the beaches of Hawaii. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Leadership and Management in Engineering
Volume 9 • Issue 4 • October 2009
Pages: 165 - 176
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 20, 2008
Accepted: Mar 19, 2009
Published online: Sep 15, 2009
Published in print: Oct 2009
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