How Does Power Influence Power

Introduction

While leadership may be thought of as a positive term, influence and power tend to bring to mind more negative thoughts or experiences. These terms are all connected and can result in positive or negative feelings or actions in an organization. All pieces of organizational behavior are interrelated and require each other in order to function and for scholars to gain a clear understanding of how the pieces come together as a whole (Ott, Parkes, & Simpson, 2008). Power and influence have a significant role in the field of organizational behavior and a solid understanding is required in order for leaders to gain effectiveness.

Power and influence can be defined many ways. In fact, scholars of the topic often have their own theories

Contradictions may arise in the conclusions of researchers as they focus on their own points of view or conclusions. One area that researchers either hesitate to study or mention is tyranny. An early theorist, Weber, worried tyranny could become a problem, but scholars have remained almost silent about it (Bies & Tripp, 1998). Just as people tend to ignore women’s issues, they fail to address the problem of tyranny, but this will be harder to do if it is given more attention.

Hypothesis

• Women in all areas of organizations are more likely than men to be victims of tyranny, causing a negative shift in the morale of the organization.

• Employees who are aware of the warning signs of tyrannical leadership are better able to address the tyranny early on and reduce its effects.

• Leaders do not take women’s complaints of tyrannical behavior seriously, considering them to be exaggerated, resulting in an increase of unfair treatment towards

They are necessary in teams and in the field of organizational behavior. If leaders want to increase their effectiveness they must be aware of the relationship power and influence has in a company and among workers in that company. Researchers have addressed kinds of power (Etzioni, 1961), tyranny in the workplace (Bies & Tripp, 1998; Amar, V, 2005; Kant, et al., 2014; Ouyang et al., 2015), and the problems women may face (Hagberg, 2003; Kanter, 1979). Furthermore, gaps and methodological issues in literature and research may cause or bring attention to contradictions or areas in need of additional focus. The definitions of power (Ott et al., 2008; Mechanic, 1962) and their types serve to guide theorists in their research. As connections are made through continuous studies, progress is made in understanding areas such as tyranny and women’s roles in organizations resulting in an organizations more aware of power’s role. Closing gaps and answering questions allows scholars and leaders to establish a positive connection benefiting workers and organizations and leading to advancements in