Power and Conflicts in Organizations

🔹 Power in Organizations

Definition: Power is the ability to influence others and control resources or decision-making in an organization.

Types of Power (by French & Raven):

1. Legitimate Power – Based on position/title
2. Reward Power – Ability to give rewards
3. Coercive Power – Ability to punish
4. Expert Power – Based on knowledge or skills
5. Referent Power – Based on charisma or admiration

Sources of Power:

• Formal Authority
• Control over resources
• Access to information
• Alliances and networks

🔹 Conflicts in Organizations

Definition: Conflict is a disagreement between individuals or groups due to differences in interests, values, or goals.

Types of Conflict:

1. Intrapersonal – Within an individual
2. Interpersonal – Between individuals
3. Intragroup – Within a group
4. Intergroup – Between groups or departments

Conflict Management Styles (by Thomas-Kilmann):

1. Avoiding – Ignoring the conflict
2. Competing – Asserting one’s viewpoint
3. Accommodating – Yielding to others
4. Compromising – Mutual give and take
5. Collaborating – Win-win solution

📘 Quick MCQ Revision Points:

• PERT is used for: Time estimation in uncertain projects
• CPM identifies: Critical path with zero float
• Legitimate power arises from: Position
• Conflict management style aiming for win-win: Collaboration

Concept of Organizational Communication

Organizational communication refers to the exchange of information, ideas, and messages within and outside an organization to achieve organizational goals.

🔹 It includes:

• Sharing of plans, decisions, and policies.
• Coordination between departments.
• Communication between management and employees.

Objectives of Organizational Communication

• To ensure smooth flow of information.
• To promote better coordination and understanding.
• To enhance productivity and morale.
• To support decision-making and leadership.

Types of Communication

🔹 Based on Direction (Flow)

🔹 Based on Method

 Quick revision points