Practice: Ch. 12, Power, Influence, and Politics
True or false: Perceptions of politics (POP) have been linked to undesirable outcomes such as increased stress and decreased job satisfaction.
True
When meeting people for the first time, how can you project that you are interested?
ask them questions about themselves
Which of the core influence tactics are most effective at building commitment?
consultation inspirational appeals rational persuasion
The three blaming styles researchers found in people from a large variety of industries include (Check all that apply.)
blaming oneself denying blame blaming others
How do virtual teams overcome the ambiguity created by a lack of face-to-face interaction?
by sharing information
Step 3 in the creation of an influence plan involves deciding what you want or need from the person you hope to influence. What are the two possible choices?
commitment compliance
What type of political action is pursued at the individual level?
general self-interests
Dressing for success is the political tactic also known as ______.
impression management
Benefits of empowerment for organizations include:
improved performance positive citizenship behavior job satisfaction
According to Cialdini's research on influencing people, how should the six principles he found be used?
in combination
Research has shown that empowerment is important because it positively influences the performance of which of the following? (Check all that apply.)
individuals organizations teams
Conscious efforts to affect and change a specific behavior in others are:
influence tactics
Organizational politics is defined as
intentional actions to improve individual or organizational interests.
Employees who are psychologically empowered feel a sense of:
meaning competence self-determination
Empowerment tends to improve an employee's
performance. organizational commitment. job satisfaction.
Which of the following bases of power have a positive effect on the organizing framework? (Check all that apply.)
reward expert referent
Individuals or organizations that obtain compliance by promising or granting rewards use which base of power?
reward power
The forms of power associated with one's job or position in an organization are referred to as position power and include:
reward power coercive power legitimate power
List the steps in a plan to influence others, starting with the first step at the top.
1. Set a goal and know what you want to achieve. 2. Identify the person or person who can help you achieve that goal. 3. Determine whether you need compliance or commitment from the person. 4. Decide on a base of power and influence tactic that will realistically be available to you. 5. Describe how you will apply the bases of power and tactics you chose.
Which of the following are some of the tactics interviewers use to impress job candidates? (Check all that apply.)
Appearance of promotional items Nonverbal cues Administrative follow-up
Which of the following are ways to increase the relative effectiveness of influence tactics? (Check all that apply.)
Being credible Being trustworthy
Match the political tactic in the left column with the correct explanation from the right column.
Bending the rules <--> Interpreting or not enforcing rules to serve your own interests Creating a favorable image <--> Adhering to organizational norms Ingratiation <--> Making higher-ups feel good Building a network <--> Creating a support system inside and outside the organization Blaming others <--> Minimizing association with failure
The management practice that enhances employee performance, well-being, and positive attitudes is _____. (Enter one word in the blank.)
Blank 1: empowerment
The transfer of authority and responsibilities from management to employees is called structural _____.
Blank 1: empowerment or empowerement
Any attempt to control or manipulate the images related to a person, organization, or idea is _____ _____.
Blank 1: impression Blank 2: management or managment
Intentional acts of influence to enhance or protect the self-interest of individuals or groups that are not endorsed or aligned with those of the organization are known as organizational _____.
Blank 1: politics
The discretion and the means to enforce one's will over others is called _____.
Blank 1: power
Which of the following bases of power has a negative effect on the organizing framework?
Coercive
When working in a virtual environment, how can people reduce ambiguity? (Check all that apply.)
Create accountability. Share information. Provide examples.
Match the influence tactic in the left column with the correct explanation from the right column.
Exchange <--> Trading favors, making or implying promises Coalition tactics <--> Getting others to support your efforts to persuade Pressure <--> Using intimidation or threats Legitimating tactics <--> Using one's authority or organizational rules or policies; support from superiors
Robert Cialdini's research identified six principles for influencing people. What ideas were these principles based on?
If your efforts align with the fundamental responses, your influence increases. People have fundamental responses to influence attempts.
What are some of the perceptions that people have about organizational politics?
It increases job stress. It decreases organizational commitment. It decreases job satisfaction.
Match the element of psychological empowerment in the left column with its correct meaning in the right column.
Meaning <--> Belief that your goals align with your team and management Competence <--> Personal evaluation of your ability to do your job Self-determination <--> Sense that you have control over your work and its outcomes Impact at work <--> Feeling that your efforts make a difference to your organization
Match the level of political action in an organization in the left column to its distinguishing characteristic from the right column.
Network level <--> Cooperative pursuit of general self-interests Coalition level <--> Cooperative pursuit of group interests in specific issues Individual level <--> Individual pursuit of general self-interests
Which of the following are the forms of power you possess independent of your job or position in an organization?
Referent power Expert power
When Jen received a bonus for reaching her sales goal, her employer was using which form of power?
Reward power
Which of the following helps transfer authority and responsibilities from management to employees?
Structural empowerment
Which of the following are reasons why it is important to assign blame correctly?
To keep your influence intact To influence your behavior in the future
Match the interviewing technique in the left column with the correct explanation from the right column.
Verbal <--> What interviewers say and how they say it Nonverbal <--> Smiling, laughing, leaning in Artifactual <--> Appearance, manner of dress, visual items presented Administrative <--> Timing of communication, feedback, and follow-up
The characteristics of an effective apology include:
acknowledgment of wrongdoing promise not to repeat the offense acceptance of responsibility expression of regret
Impression management encompasses which of the following?
appearance behavior speech
The ability to marshal human, informational, and other resources to get something done is:
power
Apologies are important and are effective to the extent that they restore what in a relationship?
trust
What are ill-defined decision processes likely to trigger in organizations?
uncertainty
Triggers such as change, strong competition, or vague performance measures create:
uncertainty in organizations
Which of the following are ways to make a good first impression?
watch your body language have goals be in a good mood