Page 163 - DCOM102_DMGT101_PRINCIPLES_AND_PRACTICES_OF_MANAGEMENT

Unit 9: Delegation, Authority and Power

Advantages Notes

1. Authority fits with a superior's needs.
2. Work is processed in an orderly and consistent manner, throughout the organisation.
3. Authority might bring out discipline among people working at various levels.
4. Authority might be used to get things done quickly, especially when work is not
progressing as per expectations.

Disadvantages

1. Authority implies resistance if not exercised properly.
2. Authority may not be used in a right way. It might be used to suit personal needs.
3. Authority alone may not get results. Much depends on the competence of the person
exercising authority.
4. Indiscriminate use of authority might prove to be disastrous for the entire organisation.
5. When authority is used as a 'whip', people tend to ignore/discount/depreciate the person
using the same.

9.3 Concept of Power

German sociologist, Max Weber defined power as "the probability that one actor within a social
relationship will be in a position to carry out his own will despite resistance." Along similar
lines, Emerson suggests that "The power of actor A over actor B is the amount of resistance on the
part of B which can be potentially overcome by A." Power appears to involve one person
changing the behavior of one or more other individuals – particularly if that behavior would
not have taken place otherwise.

9.3.1 Meaning of Power

Power is the potential ability to influence the behaviour of others. It is, in other words, "the
capacity that A has, to influence the behaviour of B, so B does something he would not otherwise
do" (Robbins). It is the ability to make things happen or get things done the way you want.
Power may involve use of one's potential that need not be actualised to be effective.

Example: A football coach has the power to bench a player who is not performing up to
par. The coach seldom has to use this power because players recognise that the power exists and
work hard to keep their starting positions.
Power also represents one's dependency. The greater B's dependence on A, the greater is A's
power in the relationship. A person can have power over you only if he controls something you
desire. Where an employee is not dependent on the supervisor for receiving rewards then, truly
speaking, the supervisor has no power over such employee.
Another feature of power is that it is specific in the sense that it can be exercised by some people,
that too, in some circumstances. Power can not be exercised by all people all times.

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