Types of Power

Power is influence.
Power is more than your formal position.

Social Power - the ability to influence others

Reward Power -
the ability to compensate others for their compliance

Coercive Power -
the idea that because one can punish, he or she has power.

Legitimate Power -
a person’s formal right to a position that expects compliance and obedience from followers.

Referent Power -
the perception that one is attractive, worthy, and has gained respect from others

Expert Power -
one person having power over another based upon superior skill and knowledge

Information Power -
one has power over another based on being the holder of information

Are there sources of power that are missing?

Which of the bases identified would you feel most comfortable using?

How might this information be helpful to you personally?

If you were planning to take over the world, which of the bases identified would you find most useful?

Power & Influence

Rational persuasion uses reason, logic, or solid facts to convince someone.

Inspirational appeals use emotions, ideals, or values of others to build enthusiasm.

Consultation involves others in the decision-making, planning, and change processes.

Ingratiation is making an effort to put someone in a good mood prior to making a request.

Personal appeals use friendship and loyalties when making a request of another.

Exchange is trading promises or favors.

Coalition tactics get others on your side so you can persuade someone.

Pressure uses intimidation or threats to get what you want.

Legitimating tactics use authority, rules, laws, and policies to get others to comply with a request.

The Prince

What does "Machiavellian" mean?

“manipulative” “deceptive”
“ruthless”

Background

• During Machiavelli's life, Italy was in the midst of serious political conflict amongst the city-states
• Along with the internal conflicts, the French began launching invasions
• Machiavelli was involved in helping to restore strength and power to Italy, particularly Florence

Background, cont.

• The Medici Family returned to power in 1512
• Machiavelli was an advisor to rulers and found himself without a job as he was wrongfully accused of political crimes
• In 1513, he wrote "The Prince" and dedicated it to Lorenzo the Magnificent of the Medici Family as a way to gain his approval

Background, cont.

• The intent of the book was to set the stage for long-term power of a king
• However, it was criticized as immoral, evil, and wicked