Summary

Summary This week we covered the topic of power and politics, the text defines power as the capacity that A has to influence the behavior of B so B acts in accordance with A’s wishes. We learned about formal power and personal power, formal power is the authority you hold within an organization and personal power is the respect and admiration you receive from others. We learned about utilizing different power tactics in order to get those around you to do what you need. Each tactic works in a different way, like someone with a reward, praise, or even supplying pressure to get what you need. Organizational structure was another topic we covered in week 4. Structure depends on organizational size, chain of command, span of control, and the degree of formalization. Structure also depends on the nature of the business and what the business is attempting to accomplish. A lot of businesses have now become virtual businesses, with the help of technology companies can now be worked by anyone around the world from their home offices. We also focused on organizational culture. We learned the benefits and the liabilities of organizational cultures. We feel that the benefits of organizational culture far outweigh the liabilities. Culture seems to have a positive effect and provides benefits to both subordinates and superiors. This week seems to be prep for next week final week and finals that are due. We also discussed the pros and cons of a strong organizational culture. We discussed the effects that a strong organizational culture has on employees and efficiency. We discussed the sources of power within an organization, so that we could learn how to use them effectively. We learned good ways to maneuver through the murky world of corporate politics with a minimum of friction. We read about the various ways that a corporation can be structured to meet its mission requirements. We discussed change in the workplace, and the possibility of employee resistance to change. Organizational culture is beneficial for an organization and its employees because it is shown in the ways the organization conducts its business, treats its employees, customers, and the wider community. Organizational culture also affects the extent to which freedom is allowed in decision making, developing new ideas, and personal expression, how power and information flow through its hierarchy, and how committed employees are towards collective objectives. Our group has continued to work well together and meet all group set and instructor set guidelines. We have positive attitudes and outlooks moving into the final week. It seems that the material is not to overwhelming and we are staying on track.