Camp Happy Valley Case Study Analysis
Introduction to Organizational Behaviour
Team Case Analysis Project:
Camp Happy Valley
November 22, 2010
Part 1: Cameron’s Bases of Power and Influence Strategy Power relates to influence because in order for a person to be in a position where they have power, others must be dependent on them for one thing or another. The greater the subjects depend on the person, the more power a person has. When one is then in a position of power, they can influence others who are dependent on them in order for the needs of the dependent subjects to be satisfied. Influence cannot be exerted over people who are not dependent on the person, thus leaving that person without power. Dependency is created when the resource a person controls is important to the subject(s), it is scarce and cannot be substituted. Once these three requirements are satisfied, there are various influence tactics that can be used to increase power. In Cameron’s scenario, the tactics he is most likely to use are inspirational appeals, consultation, personal appeals, exchange, or legitimacy tactics depending on the type of power he is exerting. Cameron exemplifies reward power, legitimate power and expert power in his role as camp director. Reward power comes when someone has the ability to distribute rewards others view as valuable. As the camp programmer and a member of the core staff, Cameron is in the position to hire new staff, and reward them with summer wages. While reward power initiates compliance in subjects instead of commitment, using his reward power would be the first step to improving Camp Happy Valley because it is how he can build a functional summer staff. Exchange tactics are most likely to be used when he is exerting reward power because in the hiring stage, he will be offering wages and a fun summer experience in return for staff to work for him. Additionally, inspirational appeals can be used when discussing with interviewees the intrinsic motivators of being
Team Case Analysis Project:
Camp Happy Valley
November 22, 2010
Part 1: Cameron’s Bases of Power and Influence Strategy Power relates to influence because in order for a person to be in a position where they have power, others must be dependent on them for one thing or another. The greater the subjects depend on the person, the more power a person has. When one is then in a position of power, they can influence others who are dependent on them in order for the needs of the dependent subjects to be satisfied. Influence cannot be exerted over people who are not dependent on the person, thus leaving that person without power. Dependency is created when the resource a person controls is important to the subject(s), it is scarce and cannot be substituted. Once these three requirements are satisfied, there are various influence tactics that can be used to increase power. In Cameron’s scenario, the tactics he is most likely to use are inspirational appeals, consultation, personal appeals, exchange, or legitimacy tactics depending on the type of power he is exerting. Cameron exemplifies reward power, legitimate power and expert power in his role as camp director. Reward power comes when someone has the ability to distribute rewards others view as valuable. As the camp programmer and a member of the core staff, Cameron is in the position to hire new staff, and reward them with summer wages. While reward power initiates compliance in subjects instead of commitment, using his reward power would be the first step to improving Camp Happy Valley because it is how he can build a functional summer staff. Exchange tactics are most likely to be used when he is exerting reward power because in the hiring stage, he will be offering wages and a fun summer experience in return for staff to work for him. Additionally, inspirational appeals can be used when discussing with interviewees the intrinsic motivators of being