Power through communication
POWERS IMPACT ON
ORGANISATIONAL
COMMUNICATION
Cathy Butland
31/10/2013
INT228943
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
The impact of power on communication in the workplace can be seen in a number of ways. There are too many to discuss in this short report, so five specific types have been chosen; legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, and referent power. Before discussing these powers it is important to understand what power is and how it impacts communication in the workplace.
DEFINITION
Power
Power is often associated with the way in which an individual has the ability to not only influence the actions and behaviours of others, but also resist the influence.i 1 This capacity to sway the conduct of others, whether real or perceived, is a crucial leadership skill of effective managers through organisational communication.
Organisational Communication
Organisational communication is often a formal type of communication between different levels of management, regarding “human communication that occurs within the context of the organisation”ii 2. Communication is a two-way process, but for this process to be successful the message has to be clearly conveyed by the sender in order for it to be received and thoroughly understoodiii 3. This can only occur if the message is not distorted by barriers associated with organisational power.
DISCUSSION
Organisational Power
Organisational power encompasses three major types of power which are legitimate, reward, and coercive.4 This can often be connected to how high an individual is in an organisation; the higher they are, the greater the control an individual can exert. Legitimate power is often associated with a job title or responsibilities and can be seen as a real power. This association with an individual’s position is sometimes referred to as positional power5. Legitimate or positional power infers authority on the individual often by their job
ORGANISATIONAL
COMMUNICATION
Cathy Butland
31/10/2013
INT228943
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
The impact of power on communication in the workplace can be seen in a number of ways. There are too many to discuss in this short report, so five specific types have been chosen; legitimate power, reward power, coercive power, expert power, and referent power. Before discussing these powers it is important to understand what power is and how it impacts communication in the workplace.
DEFINITION
Power
Power is often associated with the way in which an individual has the ability to not only influence the actions and behaviours of others, but also resist the influence.i 1 This capacity to sway the conduct of others, whether real or perceived, is a crucial leadership skill of effective managers through organisational communication.
Organisational Communication
Organisational communication is often a formal type of communication between different levels of management, regarding “human communication that occurs within the context of the organisation”ii 2. Communication is a two-way process, but for this process to be successful the message has to be clearly conveyed by the sender in order for it to be received and thoroughly understoodiii 3. This can only occur if the message is not distorted by barriers associated with organisational power.
DISCUSSION
Organisational Power
Organisational power encompasses three major types of power which are legitimate, reward, and coercive.4 This can often be connected to how high an individual is in an organisation; the higher they are, the greater the control an individual can exert. Legitimate power is often associated with a job title or responsibilities and can be seen as a real power. This association with an individual’s position is sometimes referred to as positional power5. Legitimate or positional power infers authority on the individual often by their job