Description

The Introduction explains what power means, how theories of power have developed, and why power is important for organizational leadership.

1. Meaning of power

Power is the ability to influence people, decisions, behaviour, or outcomes.

In an organization, power can help people:

• Influence decisions
• Gain cooperation
• Obtain resources
• Coordinate activities
• Achieve personal and organizational objectives
• Bring about change

The book focuses especially on personal and interpersonal power in organizational settings.

2. Power and leadership

Power is closely related to leadership because leaders must influence others to accomplish objectives.

A leader’s influence may come from: