Question 1

A famous NFL quarterback's power to influence your buying behaviour through commercial endorsements is based on his expertise at leading a football team and his ability to throw a football.

Accepted Answer

The quarterback's influence on buying behavior through endorsements is based on his celebrity status and popularity, not necessarily his expertise in football.

Question 2

The more that a resource has no viable substitutes, the more power that resource has.

Accepted Answer

This is because if a resource has no viable substitutes, then consumers or industries that rely on that resource have no choice but to pay whatever price the supplier demands, giving the supplier significant power in the market.

Question 3

Diane is a boss who seems to be obsessed with control, as every decision that is made in the department has to be approved by her. Diane is exercising

Accepted Answer

Diane is exercising legitimate power, which is the authority that comes from her position as a boss, allowing her to make and approve decisions within the department.

Question 4

Riley is a senior vice president, and thus he wields a lot of power. This is known as legitimate power.

Accepted Answer

Legitimate power is power that comes from one's organizational role or position, such as being a senior vice president.

Question 5

Power is synonymous with coercive leadership.

Accepted Answer

Power is not always coercive. It can also be positive and empowering, such as the power to inspire and motivate others.

Question 6

To create dependency in others, you must control something perceived by others as important.

Accepted Answer

If you control something that others perceive as important or valuable, you can create dependency in them by appearing to be the only source of that thing. This can include resources, information, skills, opportunities, or any other desirable asset. By creating a sense of scarcity, urgency, or exclusivity, you can make others rely on you and feel obligated to comply with your requests or expectations. This can be a powerful way to gain influence, leverage, or control over others, but it can also be unethical or manipulative if used improperly.

Question 7

Referent power is like charisma.

Accepted Answer

Referent power is the ability to influence others based on their respect and admiration for the person. Similarly, charisma is also the ability to attract and influence others through personal charm and magnetism. Therefore, referent power can be considered similar to charisma.

Question 8

In universities where there are strong pressures for the faculty to publish, it can be said that a department head's power over a faculty member is inversely related to the member's publication record.

Accepted Answer

This statement implies that faculty members who have a strong publication record have more bargaining power and are less dependent on their department head for career success. In contrast, faculty members with weaker publication records may be more susceptible to pressure and control from their department head.

Question 9

Power is a function of dependency.

Accepted Answer

Power is a function of dependency, as the more dependent one is on another person or entity, the more power that person or entity has over them.

Question 10

Even though he isn't very high up on the company's hierarchy, Cam is very powerful since he has worked in his specialty for a long time and he has knowledge that no one else has in the organization. This is known as referent power.

Accepted Answer

This is known as expert power, which is based on the skills and knowledge an individual possesses, making them an indispensable resource within an organization.

Question 11

Peter needs to be aware of the impressions senior management have of his capability and potential for promotion. He also needs to make some decisions with respect to his own goals of moving upward. This aspect of managing one's image and how others perceive that image is known as

Accepted Answer

The aspect of managing one's image and how others perceive that image is known as impression management.

Question 12

Labour negotiators become less powerful during periods of labour strife.

Accepted Answer

Labour negotiators actually become more powerful during periods of labour strife as their role in resolving disputes becomes more crucial.

Question 13

The greater B's dependence on A, the greater is B's power in the relationship.

Accepted Answer

The greater A's dependence on B, the greater is B's power in the relationship.

Question 14

Peter needs to be aware that various factors contribute to political behaviour at GIC. He needs to recognize that these influences were probably the cause of his not being promoted to the new director position. Although Peter doesn't appear to be much interested in the politics at GIC, he should understand that certain behaviours build influence. These factors are

Accepted Answer

Coalitions, consultations and ingratiation are the factors that contribute to political behaviour at GIC. These factors can help build influence and determine career advancement opportunities within the organization. Peter needs to become aware of these factors and utilize them in his future interactions and career advancement goals.

Question 15

Perhaps the problem is not entirely due to Peter's lack of political activity and interest. Despite his high position in the company, Peter was unaware that the Human Resources department was actively choosing an director for the new department. Les knew, and discussed with senior managers his relevant skills and expertise in financial services, developed while completing his university degree. Compared to Les, Peter has low

Accepted Answer

Expert power refers to an individual's knowledge and skills relevant to a particular task or activity. In this case, Les had expertise in financial services, which he discussed with senior managers, giving him an advantage over Peter, who was unaware of the Human Resources department's activities. Therefore, Les had a higher level of expert power compared to Peter.

Question 16

Most businesses tend to develop multiple suppliers instead of just using one to avoid giving one supplier too much power.

Accepted Answer

This strategy is known as supplier diversification, which helps to reduce the risk of depending on one supplier and gives the business more bargaining power in negotiations.

Question 17

An expert is the person who has the right to expect you to comply with their request.

Accepted Answer

Being an expert does not give someone the right to demand compliance. A true expert will provide reasoning and justification for their request, and it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to comply. Respect should be earned, not demanded.

Question 18

Peter consistently comments on Jake's appearance, sarcastically commenting on his clothes and haircut, insisting on sitting beside him in the lunchroom and complaining about the odors from his food. He makes up stories about Jake, and then laughs and tells everyone Jake is his best friend. Peter's behaviour is

Accepted Answer

Peter's consistent negative comments and belittling behaviour towards Jake qualify as bullying. His actions are meant to intimidate and humiliate Jake, and they can have a harmful impact on his emotional well-being.

Question 19

Power is increased by possession of something that is plentiful and easily available.

Accepted Answer

Power is increased by possession of something that is scarce and valuable, not plentiful and easily available.

Question 20

Diane feels that she has no choice but to act in accordance with the wishes of her boss, Linda. This indicates that Linda has power over Diane.

Accepted Answer

Diane's belief that she has no choice but to act in accordance with Linda's wishes indicates that Linda has power over her.

Quiz 8: Power and Politics