Lecture Notes: Types of Personal Power in Management

Overview

• Position Power: Does not ensure full cooperation from employees.
• Influence Ability: Depends on a manager’s capability to influence behaviors and attitudes.
• Personal Power: Derived from individual characteristics, independent of formal position.

Types of Personal Power

1. Expert Power

   • Based on individual expertise in a specific area.
   • Exists at any organizational level.
   • Enhancement Strategies:
     • Identify critical technical expertise for the organization.
     • Pursue formal training or on-the-job learning.

2. Informational Power

   • Control over access to important information.
   • Gatekeepers: Influence others by providing or withholding essential information.

3. Referent Power

   • Derived from personal charisma or attractiveness.
   • Based on respect, admiration, and role modeling.
   • Enhancement Strategy:
     • Maintain consistent ethical behavior to build a strong reputation.

4. Persuasive Power

   • Ability to use logic and facts to convince others.
   • Enhancement Strategies:
     • Develop good listening skills.
     • Identify and appeal to others’ goals and motivations.

Practical Application

• Adjusting Power Use: Align power type and strategy with the situation and the individual you aim to influence.

Conclusion

• Personal power is crucial for effective management and leadership.
• Managers should develop a balanced approach by harnessing different types of personal power to suit varying scenarios.