The concept and types of power in management. Fundamentals and forms of manifestation of power in management

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

A person who occupies a leadership position always takes on a great responsibility. Managers must control the production process as well as manage the company's employees. How it looks in practice and what types of power exist in management, read below.

Concept

What is power? This is the management of people and the impact on them with the help of personal influence. There is a standard definition of power in management. It implies a targeted impact on people, which changes their attitude to work, mobilizes forces, makes employees work at their maximum capacity. Is it difficult for a person? A person who has leadership qualities can lead followers without much difficulty. A person can, with the help of suggestion and persuasion, direct the activities of the team in the right direction for the company. The content and concept of "power" is quite subjective for each specific area. Companies use a variety ofways to improve performance. Someone prefers to use the whip method, while someone prefers the method of stimulation with the help of a carrot. The best results are achieved by a leader who knows how to combine two approaches.

Foundations of power

People should be led legally. The concept of power and its role in management are determined by the methods of influencing employees. What grounds do leaders have for power?

• Law. The constitution sets out the rights and duties of leaders. The manager must be guided by them and not cross the line of the permissible. Otherwise, workers may go on strike or quit. Laws govern the relationship between subordinates and leaders. Each person, entering to work in a particular company, must know his duties and rights. Otherwise, he runs the risk of getting into a situation where they will “ride” him.
• Fear. A person must be confident in his future. If there is no such confidence, then fear arises. Fear can be the best motivation to work. An employee who is afraid of losing his job will work well, fulfilling the instructions given to him in a quality and timely manner.
• Reward. Types of power in management imply several approaches to leadership. One of them is the motivation of employees by rewards. A person who knows what he will get for his efforts will work better than a person who does not see the prospects for his development.
• Persuasion. Any employee must bemotivated by their work. Convincing employees that they are working for the good of humanity is the best motivation. A growing company should always provide its employees with an incentive to develop.
• Charisma. Types of power in management are based on the concept of leadership. A leader who is an authority for his employees can lead the company where he pleases. Employees must trust the leader and believe in his prudence. Working under the control of a tyrant is a little pleasure.

Types of power

The leader must decide on the style of his management. The person who takes responsibility must understand the degree of influence he has on employees. What are the types of power and influence in management?

• Outgoing from office. A leader is an authority for subordinates. But not always personal charisma helps a person to climb the career ladder. Sometimes competent persons are appointed to positions of responsibility who can and are able to cope well with their duties. The power of leaders who have taken their place thanks to knowledge, skills and diligence can be shaken at any moment. A person who has climbed the career ladder thanks to his intellectual activity will have to work hard to remain in his position. Continuous professional development through self-development or passing specialized courses are magic pills,who guarantee tomorrow.
• Coming from the individual. This kind of power in management is more reliable. A charismatic person or a leader is able to lead people. If employees see their boss as a confident person who knows how to set goals and achieve them, they will not demand constant development from the manager. Yes, it's good if it happens, but the authority of the individual will not be shaken if the person loses in his intellectual development to his subordinates.

Forms of power

The use of power in management implies a solid foundation on which it will be based. The leader may exercise one or more forms of authority. What are they?

• Legal. A person can manage a company, guided by the labor code. You might think that all leaders do this. Not at all. Budgetary organizations often come up with their own laws for the development of the company, and if an employee does not agree with them, he is fired. Going to court in this case is pointless. Legitimate authority does not cause any disputes between employees and subordinates. Employees always know that if necessary, they can refer to the labor code and will be heard.
• Forced. The whip method pays dividends in terms of discipline. Managers who motivate employees with fines and all sorts of cash deductions from wages can achieve good work. But the atmosphere in the team will always be tense and unfriendly.
• Incentive. This kind of power and influence in management involves rewarding employees for their success. Incentives can be bonuses for good work, career advancement, or better working conditions. Employees will be stimulated to perform better and will know that if they make a mistake, they will not be criticized too much.
• Resource. Power in management, essence, sources and forms will be determined by the resources that the manager has. They can be both natural and financial. Such companies are growing rapidly due to good investments from both management and sponsors and shareholders.
• The power to make decisions. This form of leadership is questioned by many. Managers in this case make responsible decisions on the development of the company, but they do not consider it necessary to understand how departments work. Power over every part of production is enshrined in the hands of the manager, who is fully responsible for all the deeds of employees.
• The power of connections. Types of power and methods of management influence based on personal connections have taken root well in our country. Running a business is easier when you have people you know in different institutions.

Power functions

The bases and forms of manifestation of power in management will depend on what functions the leadership will perform. What does a good manager do?

• Keeping order. The manager must monitor how the employees work, and forthe extent to which friendly relations develop in the team. If there are various “camps” opposing each other in the firm, then the achievement of common goals will be in question. To prevent this, the manager must immediately resolve all issues and disputes that arise between people.
• Achieving your goals. The main task of the leader is to achieve the goals set for him. A manager must be able to anticipate problems and quickly find solutions.
• Troubleshooting. No matter how well the company works, there will always be failures and force majeure. Their elimination should be de alt with in a timely manner by the leader.
• Motivation. People will work better if they understand the meaning of their activities. It does not matter what style of motivation the manager uses, the main thing is that employees understand why they need to give their best.

Power Styles

In management, the forms of power and influence exerted on subordinates depend on which leadership style the manager has chosen.

• Leader style. The manager takes full responsibility for what his employees do. The manager is always aware of all the tasks of the company, he is aware of the deadlines for the delivery of each specific project. The manager independently chooses the way of influencing employees. When performing one task, the manager can reward employees, and for the performance of other duties, deprive employees of some kind of privilege. A flexible approach to leadership has the best results, but it deprives employees of stability, as they do notknow what to expect from the next project.
• Submission style. In this case, employees perform well-defined tasks. Regardless of the project, employees will be confident in the future. People will be able to plan their future in the company, their careers. Employees know the perks of working to the point of wear and tear, and will also be aware of what they face for delaying a project or being late.

Methods of influence

Features of the use of power in management will depend on how the manager will motivate and encourage employees.

• Interests. A person who shares the interests of the company will be indispensable in any office. If an employee's personal aspirations match their work responsibilities, the person will work much harder and more efficiently.
• Values. Each person has his own worldview and moral values. An experienced leader is not afraid to play on them. A manager can motivate employees in different ways, depending on who has what value system. For some, salary will be of great importance, and for others, prestige will be more important.
• Restrictions. Power imposes on a person the right to impose some fines and sanctions on certain activities at will. For example, a manager may prohibit employees from chatting in the workplace if, in his opinion, this process will interfere with work.
• Education. Competent workers will remain so if theywill constantly improve their knowledge. But not everyone has enough time for education. Therefore, the company will train the best employees at its own expense. This method of encouragement appeals to many young professionals.
• Persuasion. To make a person work well, he must be convinced that he does not work in vain. Every company should have some sort of social mission through which employees feel they are contributing to society.
• Creativity. Any company should help the employee to realize his potential. Creative approach to work should be encouraged by leaders.

Properties of power

Types of power and methods of management influence will be determined based on specific properties. What are they?

• Social. The leader should not be a despot. The authorities must be responsible for their subordinates. The manager is obliged to pay attention to the desires of employees, their attitude towards management and their relationship with each other.
• Asymmetrical. The manager must understand that he does not have the same influence on all employees. Some individuals are more suggestible, others more suspicious or incredulous. It should always be taken into account that not all employees can understand their tasks equally clearly and cope with them equally well.
• Purposeful. Power always focuses on its goals. It is they that she should be guided by when making decisions regarding employees.
• Potential. Employees should perform their duties equally well when they haveremuneration for the work done and when they do not have. The authorities should not constantly motivate employees with bonuses or fines.
• Faith. Subordinates must be confident in their leader, they must trust his competence in terms of managing the company. Distrust gives rise to people's doubts about the mission of the company, which should not be shaken under any circumstances.

Pros of power

People who have power in management and management get a lot of dividends. What are they?

• Increased self-esteem. A person who manages other people feels more important. He is pleased that he is obeyed and his orders are carried out. Self-confidence is enhanced when subordinates look with respect, hang on every word and are consulted on the issue of making any decisions.
• Good time management. A person who is forced to manage people and deliver projects on time must be able to manage their time. Practice in this matter is of great importance. A person who has learned how to manage an organization can easily organize life according to his own desire and plan everything to the smallest detail.
• Willpower. A person who bears great responsibility must be able to make decisions quickly and without hesitation. Even if the decision goes against the personal qualities of a person, he must be able to take will into a fist and sign a contract or make an important decision.
• High pay. Not the last role is played by salary. People whooccupy a good position, have the opportunity to travel, live in comfortable conditions and not worry about tomorrow.

Cons of power

The concept and types of power in management have been discussed above. A person who occupies a leadership position has not only the advantages of a frivolous life, but also many disadvantages. What are they?

• Responsibility. The leader is always responsible not only for his actions, but also for the activities of his subordinates. A manager must be prepared to be judged for mistakes he didn't make. Any failure in production is considered the fault of the manager. And it does not matter that the subordinate who was not able to properly cope with his duties is actually to blame.
• It is difficult to find harmony between all areas of life. A person who occupies a high position in the company's management often cannot find a balance between his personal and work activities. The person may not have enough time for entertainment, travel or communication with loved ones.
• Loneliness. Good leaders, just like good teachers, should devote all their time to work. Such people rarely have a family and children. And if there is a family, then she rarely sees a high-ranking person at home.
• Constant stress. Responsibility makes a person very nervous. For this reason, good leaders can hold a responsible position for no more than 10 years. After this period, they begin to lose their nerves and often the situation reaches a mental disorder.