Power in the Workplace

The ability to possess power over individuals is an intense trait that all individuals behold. The outcomes of situations are based on the use of this power. Power can be viewed as an art and a skill if used properly to promote productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness within an organization. However, contrary to that, it can be used in a deviant manner to prohibit success. The following analysis will analyze the most productive use of power and the impact of power in a specified organization. The organization chosen for this illustration will be the Directorate of Resource Management, which fall under the Department of the Army.

Is the ability to possess power an art or a skill? In answering this question, one must be able to accurately define the definition of power is. While there are multiple definitions of power, The American Heritage Dictionary has multiple definitions of power. For the purpose of this examination, power will be defined as “the ability or official capacity to exercise control; authority” and “a person, group, or nation having great influence or control over others” (American Heritage Dictionary, n.d.). These are two of the most common interpretations of what power is in the workplace. Power is both, an art and a skill. One must have the intuition to understand the consequences of the use of power. In addition, the actual implementation of power is achieved by experience and knowledge of the subject.

Career Coach, C.J. Liu wrote an article titled ‘Power in the Workplace’ that outlines some critical details about power and its existence within an organization. Liu wrote, “Generally, it’s not power, but what people do with the power they have, that gives power a bad rap” (Liu, 2009). Lui con...

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...wer can also heal the sick, create wonderful products and services, and do great good in the world. Like electricity, which can help to cure or kill, power is a mutable force” (Baker, 2007).

Works Cited

American Heritage Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2010, from Yahoo! Education:

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/power

Baker, C. (2007, July 26). The Englightened Manager Blog. Retrieved November 24, 2010, from

The Enlightened Manager: http://blog.emergenceconsulting.net/2007/07/power-in-the-

wo.html

Liu, C. J. (2009, June 4). Power in the Workplace. Retrieved November 24, 2010, from Carrer

Planning Blog: http://blogs.payscale.com/career-coach/2009/06/the-positive-and-

negative-aspects-of-power-in-the-workplace.html

Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2011). Organizational Behavior. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.