Becoming Powerful at Work

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-6-2021

Publication Title

Organizational Dynamics

First page number:

1

Last page number:

10

Abstract

Power is recognized as a fundamental force in social relationships, especially in work settings. Yet, we find that people are not always aware of its presence or how it can be accessed in their jobs. And, if they are aware, many sources of power (including having control over resources, such as rewards and information) may be viewed as difficult to achieve given one’s [lower ranking] position in an organization’s formal hierarchy. However, to rewrite such narratives around powerlessness and help managers and employees access proximal sources of power in their workplaces, we (1) provide a brief review of what is known about power in organizational research; and (2) discuss practical strategies and implications illustrating how power can be accessible to anyone in their professional contexts. Specifically, we highlight personal (e.g., proactive personality) and relational (e.g., social networks) perspectives for power to be leveraged, thus offering opportunities for individuals to level what may be perceived as an imbalanced power playing field. In essence, we are going after the “low hanging fruit” of power-gaining strategies to help individuals understand how to become more powerful at work.

Keywords

Meaning of power; Social relationships; Work setting; Power-gaining strategies; Power at work

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology | Work, Economy and Organizations

Language

English

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