Power and the Professional: Ethics, Accountability and Leadership in the Workplace

Power is essential for success in the workplace, but it is often poorly understood or managed. This book offers a comprehensive and applied understanding of power in a professional scenario, providing a toolbox for understanding, managing, and exerting power to control one's circumstances.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 253 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2020
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

No matter who you are or what you aim to achieve, power determines whether you succeed or fail. However, while power dynamics permeate every interaction in the workplace, the concept is very poorly understood or managed in practice. Everyone has influence over some people and is under the influence of others, and must choose how to deal with these realities in daily interactions. This book offers a comprehensive and applied understanding of power in a professional scenario: where it comes from, how it moves, and what that means in practice for how professionals work together.

Drawing on numerous recent case studies, this book offers a toolbox that anyone can apply, including explanations of the different forms of power, the two ways power can move between parties, the perils of power, how to create accountability, the intersection of power and ethics, and tools for maintaining power relationships with both superiors and subordinates. It provides employers and employees alike the means to understand, manage, and exert the power necessary to control their own circumstances.

Understanding power dynamics in the workplace is crucial for achieving success and navigating complex relationships. This book provides a comprehensive guide that covers the origins of power, its various forms, how it moves between individuals and groups, the risks associated with power, strategies for building accountability, the ethical considerations of power, and techniques for maintaining positive power relationships. By exploring these topics in depth, readers will gain a deeper understanding of power and its impact on their professional lives.

One of the key insights of this book is that power is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic and fluid concept that can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including individual personality traits, social context, and organizational culture. The authors argue that power can be both positive and negative, and that it is important for individuals and organizations to recognize and manage both types of power effectively.

The book also provides practical tools and strategies for building and maintaining power in the workplace. These include developing effective communication skills, building strong relationships, leveraging social networks, and understanding the power dynamics of different groups and individuals. By applying these techniques, readers will be able to increase their influence and impact in their professional settings.

In addition, the book emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics in the context of diversity and inclusion. The authors argue that power can be used to promote equity and diversity in the workplace, but that it can also be used to perpetuate inequality and discrimination. By recognizing and addressing these issues, readers will be able to create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their understanding of power in the workplace. It provides a comprehensive and applied approach to power that is grounded in real-world case studies and practical strategies. By reading this book, readers will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to build and maintain positive power relationships, increase their influence and impact, and create more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 150 x 224 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476676135