Discussion #6
Please read the uploaded documents (Chapter 10, 11, 12). The below questions are centered around the material in Chapter 11 and also draws on the concepts from Chapters 10 and 12.
1. Using the dimensions of empowerment in the book, analyze and describe the degree to which people in your work environment are empowered. Then, review the first box in Figure 12.3 and describe the approach your supervisor or manager uses when making key decisions. Considering the article link in this module and explain if there is a “team of rivals” present? Finally, with respect to both participation in decision-making and team member empowerment, what strategies would you change if you were the manager of your or another organization? Consider all of Figure 12.3 and the section on Participation in Decision Making in Chapter 10.
2. Do you think of yourself as powerful, powerless, or a little of both? Explain your basis for these perceptions? In your answer integrate the specific symbols of power in the textbook.
3. Who is the most powerful person you know personally? What makes this person so powerful? Does this person’s power use empowerment as a tool or do they make all the decisions? In your answer use French and Raven’s five specific interpersonal forms of power, and the textbook’s addition of “information power” to assist you in your analysis.
