Organizing Power

Power is essential for future managers to understand, and this innovative text examines how it operates in organizations and is the process of organizing. It includes online materials, case studies, and links to additional readings and resources, making it essential reading for advanced undergraduate students and those on broader HRM and organizational studies programmes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Power is a fundamental aspect of organizational dynamics that plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior and outcomes of individuals and groups within an organization. Understanding the nature and dynamics of power is essential for future managers to effectively navigate the complex and dynamic landscape of the workplace. This innovative text not only examines how power operates in organizations but also shows how power fundamentally is the process of organizing.

The book is supported by online materials, including case studies for each chapter and links to additional readings and resources. It will be essential reading for advanced undergraduate students looking at power and organizations on dedicated modules and will be valuable reading for those on broader HRM and organizational studies programmes.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of power in shaping organizational culture. Power can be used to create a positive and productive work environment, or it can be used to create a toxic and dysfunctional one. The book explores the different types of power, including formal power, informal power, and expert power, and how they are used in organizations.

Formal power is the power that is granted by an organization's hierarchy. It includes the authority to make decisions, set policies, and allocate resources. Formal power can be exercised through a variety of means, including formal meetings, written documents, and policies. However, formal power can be limited by the organization's culture, values, and norms.

Informal power is the power that is gained through social relationships and personal connections. It includes the ability to influence others, build relationships, and gain access to resources. Informal power can be more difficult to control than formal power, as it is often based on personal relationships and trust.

Expert power is the power that is gained through expertise and knowledge. It includes the ability to make decisions and provide advice based on one's expertise. Expert power can be more difficult to control than formal or informal power, as it is often based on the individual's reputation and credibility.

The book also explores the different ways in which power can be used to influence behavior. Power can be used to motivate employees, to control behavior, to create a sense of urgency, and to create a sense of belonging. However, the use of power can also have negative consequences, such as creating a toxic work environment, reducing employee engagement, and reducing productivity.

To address these negative consequences, the book provides a range of strategies for managing power. These strategies include building trust, promoting transparency, and providing opportunities for feedback. The book also emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in the use of power.

In addition to the theoretical aspects of power, the book also provides a range of case studies that illustrate the different ways in which power is used in organizations. These case studies include examples from a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. The case studies provide a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities associated with power in organizations.

One of the strengths of the book is its accessibility. The book is written in a clear and concise style, and it is easy to read. The book also includes a range of online materials, including case studies, videos, and podcasts, that can be accessed by students and professionals alike.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the limitations is that it does not provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of power. While the book does provide a detailed examination of formal power, informal power, and expert power, it does not provide a comprehensive examination of other types of power, such as political power, social power, and cultural power.

Another limitation of the book is that it does not provide a clear framework for managing power. While the book provides a range of strategies for managing power, it does not provide a clear framework for how to implement these strategies. This can make it difficult for students and professionals to apply the strategies in their own organizations.

Despite these limitations, the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the nature and dynamics of power in organizations. The book provides a clear and concise examination of the different types of power, and it provides a range of strategies for managing power. The book also provides a range of case studies that illustrate the different ways in which power is used in organizations.

In conclusion, understanding the nature and dynamics of power is crucial for future managers. This innovative text not only examines how power operates in organizations but also shows how power fundamentally is the process of organizing. The book is supported by online materials, including case studies for each chapter and links to additional readings and resources. It will be essential reading for advanced undergraduate students looking at power and organizations on dedicated modules and will be valuable reading for those on broader HRM and organizational studies programmes. By building trust, promoting transparency, and providing opportunities for feedback, organizations can manage power effectively and create a positive and productive work environment.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138919259