Understanding Power and Dependence

The video explores the concept of power, its types, and its significance in personal and professional contexts. It discusses how power is not limited to leaders but is accessible to everyone. The video explains factors like criticality, substitutability, and centrality that affect dependence and how to manage them. It highlights the role of collective action and unions in shifting power dynamics. Different types of power, such as coercive, reward, legitimate, charismatic, and expert power, are explained, along with strategies to build and use power effectively while maintaining ethical considerations.

Which of the following is NOT a common phrase associated with power?

• With great power comes great responsibility

• Power is always negative

• Power to the people

• Absolute power corrupts absolutely

What is criticality in the context of dependence?

• The number of resources available

• The impact of losing a resource

• The importance of a resource to you

• The ability to replace a resource

How can you reduce the substitutability of your job?

• By making friends only at work

• By relying solely on your current job

• By developing unique skills

• By avoiding networking

What is the main advantage of collective action in the workplace?

• It increases individual power

• It reduces the need for unions

• It enhances the employer's dependency on employees

• It eliminates the need for negotiations

What type of power involves making credible threats?

• Reward power

• Charismatic power

• Legitimate power

• Coercive power

Which type of power is based on having control over desired rewards?

• Expert power

• Legitimate power

• Coercive power

• Reward power

How can charismatic power be increased?

• By making threats

• By controlling resources

• By having a high-status position

• By being well-liked and respected

What is a potential downside of focusing too much on gaining power?

• It always leads to success

• It can cause loss of original goals

• It guarantees job security

• It makes you more popular

What should be considered when pursuing power?

• The ability to avoid all responsibilities

• The number of people you can control

• The cost in terms of time and energy

• The immediate financial gain

What is the key to building trust and reputation?

• Focusing solely on personal gain

• Being aware of how others perceive you

• Having the most power

• Avoiding all conflicts