Mod 1 case assignment
Power tactics and sources of power
Sherelle N. Rompca
MGT420: Power Influence and Persuasion
Instructor Green
April 19, 2015
Power Tactics and Sources of Power
What were Charles and Bill Koch’s sources of power within Koch Industries? Did they have reward power, coercive power, legitimate power or expert power? Any other sources of power?
Charles Koch was in charge due to legitimate power. Being that Fredrick, the eldest son had nothing to do with business left the second eldest, Charles next in line. Due to the fact that his authority was attributed to his “rank” amongst the brothers. This was not the only source of power in my opinion.
Being that Charles had earned a degree in chemical engineering, some of the companies/ventures that Koch industries would gain, his knowledge and expertise would be valuable. This expert power I believe gave him an edge in understanding some of the different aspects of the company’s endeavors and how to profit. i.e, crude oil.
Referent power, the potential influence one has due to the strength of the relationship between the leaders and subordinates. Being that both Charles and Bill were Koch’s, they were both stakeholders in the company, I would say that this referent power gave them both the ability to influence relationships with subordinates.
If an individual possess the ability to control desired resources and benefits. I think many people would be a little easier swayed to “side” with them. This type of power, reward power, gives the individual in charge, in this case, Charles, the ability to promote subordinates, select people for “special assignments” and distribute desired resources.
What power tactics did each of them use in their battle for control?
Some would say that Bill was always jealous of Charles. Beginning since early childhood. Bill blamed Charles for running their fathers business like a dictator (Schulman, 2014). Ever since joining Koch Industries, Bill had felt like the
Sherelle N. Rompca
MGT420: Power Influence and Persuasion
Instructor Green
April 19, 2015
Power Tactics and Sources of Power
What were Charles and Bill Koch’s sources of power within Koch Industries? Did they have reward power, coercive power, legitimate power or expert power? Any other sources of power?
Charles Koch was in charge due to legitimate power. Being that Fredrick, the eldest son had nothing to do with business left the second eldest, Charles next in line. Due to the fact that his authority was attributed to his “rank” amongst the brothers. This was not the only source of power in my opinion.
Being that Charles had earned a degree in chemical engineering, some of the companies/ventures that Koch industries would gain, his knowledge and expertise would be valuable. This expert power I believe gave him an edge in understanding some of the different aspects of the company’s endeavors and how to profit. i.e, crude oil.
Referent power, the potential influence one has due to the strength of the relationship between the leaders and subordinates. Being that both Charles and Bill were Koch’s, they were both stakeholders in the company, I would say that this referent power gave them both the ability to influence relationships with subordinates.
If an individual possess the ability to control desired resources and benefits. I think many people would be a little easier swayed to “side” with them. This type of power, reward power, gives the individual in charge, in this case, Charles, the ability to promote subordinates, select people for “special assignments” and distribute desired resources.
What power tactics did each of them use in their battle for control?
Some would say that Bill was always jealous of Charles. Beginning since early childhood. Bill blamed Charles for running their fathers business like a dictator (Schulman, 2014). Ever since joining Koch Industries, Bill had felt like the
References: Anderson, D. A. (1998). Using power and influence tactics for better results. Marine Corps Gazette, 82(12), 37-38 Schulman, D. (2014, Jul). Koch vs. Koch. Mother Jones, 39, 16-27,64,2 Tomsho, R., (1989, Aug 09). Blood feud: Koch family is roiled by sibling squabbling over its oil empire --- fired by his brother, William sues often, helps feds to probe Koch Industries --- haling mother into court. Wall Street Journal [ProQuest]