Exam 12: Power and Politics

Marie's supervisor embarrasses her by constantly telling sexual jokes and making sexual comments.Marie was shocked when she observed that he had sexually explicit material on his computer screen during working hours.Although he has never directly asked her to sleep with him,she feels threatened and is so uncomfortable that it is difficult for her to do her job. One basic problem in this situation is:

Your colleagues at work are constantly talking about the company's vice president.He is feared throughout the organisation as a ruthless man who is not to be antagonised.It is necessary for you to bring him a report and you are very nervous about having to deal with him. You know that the vice president has the authority to accept or reject your report.This is part of their ________ power.

Which power tactics are only available to influence others in a downward direction?

Activities that influence the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organisation are called:

The most important aspect of power is that it:

The power the person receives as a result of a position on the organisational chart is known as __________ power.

Catherine and Bernice are faculty members at a local university who feel very differently about their academic dean.Catherine believes that he is always engaging in political activity that is not in the best interests of the university.She describes him as a man who passes the buck and is scheming and arrogant.Bernice believes that he is an effective manager.She sees him differently. Bernice's label for what Catherine describes as 'scheming' might be:

What is the general dependence postulate?

Shellie is avoiding __________ by developing relationships with multiple suppliers rather than give her business to only one.

The power that the dean has been granted by the university over the faculty is termed __________ power.

Joe comes to you with a request for funds for a project.He reminds you that company policy supports his position.He is using the tactic of:

Gerald knows that an understanding of dependency is central to understanding power in his organisation. When Gerald realises the supply of personnel is low relative to demand,individuals can negotiate compensation and benefit packages that are far more attractive than can those in occupations where there is an abundance of candidates.This is an example of:

Outright lies may be an example of:

An individual could be subjected to sexual harassment perpetrated by:

Most studies confirm that the concept of __________ is central to understanding sexual harassment.

Rational persuasion is the only tactic that is effective across organisational levels.

Many managers agree that political behaviour is both:

Power tactics define:

When the desired outcome of power is to convince a group of people to accept a particular decision,which of the following power tactics would be most effective?

Celebrities are paid millions of dollars to endorse products in commercials because advertisers believe celebrities have __________ power.