Question 1

Power can be viewed as a sign of personal efficacy, the ability to mobilize resources to accomplish productive work.

Accepted Answer

Power is often associated with the ability to get things done, to influence others, and to achieve goals. This ability can be seen as a sign of personal efficacy, since it indicates that the individual has the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to accomplish productive work. Therefore, option A is correct.

Question 2

Building networks that are rich in structural holes comes easy for most people because we have a natural tendency to seek connections that give us unique information.

Accepted Answer

Most people naturally gravitate towards building networks with others who have similar backgrounds or interests, rather than seeking out connections that provide unique or non-redundant information, which would create structural holes.

Question 3

Your supervisor remarks, "If you do not complete the project by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, you will not be able to go on vacation next week." This is an example of the retribution influence strategy.

Accepted Answer

The supervisor is using the threat of punishment (not being able to go on vacation) to influence the employee's behavior, which is a characteristic of the retribution influence strategy.

Question 4

Gerry has developed a new purchasing policy that not only focuses on expediting purchase orders but will also save the company money. To pitch this new policy to his boss, Gerry should use the influence strategy of reciprocity.

Accepted Answer

Reciprocity involves doing something for someone with the expectation that they will do something in return. Gerry's situation is better suited for the rational persuasion strategy, where he would use logical arguments and factual evidence to demonstrate how his new purchasing policy will benefit the company.

Question 5

Interpersonal attraction, as a source of personal power, involves charisma, agreeable behaviors, and physical characteristics.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal attraction is indeed a source of personal power that involves charisma, agreeable behaviors, and physical characteristics. These factors can influence how others view and respond to an individual, giving them influence and power in social situations.

Question 6

A potential disadvantage associated with the use of the reason influence strategy is that considerable time is required to build trust.

Accepted Answer

Building trust with others takes time and effort, and this is particularly true when using the reason influence strategy. It may take some time to establish credibility, demonstrate expertise, and establish a rapport with the person or group you are trying to influence.

Question 7

The ability to transform power into influence hinges on securing the consent of others in ways that engender support and commitment instead of resistance and resentment.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The ability to use power to influence others effectively depends on securing their consent and support, rather than alienating or angering them. This requires building trust, cultivating positive relationships, and demonstrating a commitment to shared goals and values. When people feel respected, heard, and valued, they are more likely to be receptive to the exercise of power and to engage in collaborative efforts to achieve common objectives.

Question 8

A negative view of "personal power" is held by cultures that place a high value on which of the following?
A) Ascription
B) Individualism
C) Achievement
D) Isolationism

Accepted Answer

Cultures that place a high value on ascription, or the status one is born into, view personal power as a threat to the social order. Individuals are expected to conform to their given role, and personal power is viewed as disruptive to the stability of society. In contrast, cultures that value individualism and achievement place a high value on personal power as a means to success and self-fulfillment. Isolationism is not directly related to views on personal power.

Question 9

Empowerment uses sufficient amounts of personal power to achieve high levels of effectiveness.

Accepted Answer

Empowerment involves using personal power, such as confidence, influence, and decision-making abilities, to enhance one's effectiveness in achieving goals and making a positive impact.

Question 10

The most appropriate strategy to neutralize a retribution strategy used by your boss would be to focus your boss's attention on your independence.

Accepted Answer

A retribution strategy by a boss typically involves punitive actions or threats for perceived wrongs. Focusing on demonstrating your independence might escalate the situation or be perceived as defiance. A more effective approach would be to address the issue directly, seek to understand the concerns, and work towards a resolution that aligns with organizational goals and values.

Question 11

Because reason strategies involve trusting the good intent of other people, it is not appropriate to neutralize these attempts by appealing to a higher authority in the organization.

Accepted Answer

Reason strategies involve logical arguments or evidence to support a position, not necessarily trusting the good intent of others. Appealing to a higher authority can be a valid approach to address or neutralize these attempts if the situation warrants it, especially in organizational contexts where hierarchical decision-making is common.

Question 12

If you ask your employees to work overtime in exchange for an extended weekend, you are utilizing the retribution influence strategy.

Accepted Answer

The statement describes the exchange influence strategy, not the retribution influence strategy. The retribution influence strategy involves the use of punishments or threats to influence behavior.

Question 13

Going to lunch with other departments can increase your centrality power.

Accepted Answer

By interacting with colleagues from other departments during lunch, you are expanding your network and increasing the likelihood that you will be seen as a central figure within the organization. This can lead to increased influence and opportunities for collaboration.

Question 14

Influence strategies used by managers to obtain compliance fall into three categories: retaliation, reciprocity, and reason.

Accepted Answer

The three categories of influence strategies used by managers to obtain compliance are actually retaliation, reward, and reason. Reciprocity is often considered a subcategory of the reward strategy.

Question 15

In order to neutralize reciprocity strategies, one should first examine the content of any favor-giving activity.

Accepted Answer

By examining the content of any favor-giving activity, one can determine if it is being used as a reciprocity strategy and take steps to neutralize it if needed.

Question 16

To gain more power in your organization, you should focus on building strong relationships with other people, but you shouldn't waste your time observing who other people maintain close networks with.

Accepted Answer

Observing who other people maintain close networks with can provide valuable insights into power dynamics and potential allies or threats. It is important to pay attention to relationships within the organization in order to effectively navigate and increase your own power.

Question 17

If you want to decrease the power in someone's position, you should design their job so that it is routine and has fewer tasks assigned to it.

Accepted Answer

By reducing the complexity and variety of tasks in someone's job, their power and influence within an organization can be reduced. A routine job with fewer responsibilities is typically associated with a lower level of authority and control.

Question 18

Using power for personal reasons means that a manager will definitely achieve his or her career aspirations.

Accepted Answer

Using power for personal reasons may help a manager achieve short-term gains, but it is not sustainable and could ultimately harm their career in the long run. Additionally, ethical concerns may arise and damage their reputation and relationships with colleagues and subordinates. True success and career growth come from using power responsibly and for the benefit of the organization and its stakeholders.

Question 19

Getting rid of routine activities, expanding task variety, and initiating new ideas may allow one to gain position power in an organization because flexibility has been increased.

Accepted Answer

By becoming more flexible and adaptable, an individual can show their value to the organization and become a more valuable asset. This can lead to an increase in position power and influence within the organization. Removing routine activities and introducing new ideas can also help to improve efficiency and productivity, which can further enhance an individual's position power.

Question 20

Recently your boss remarked to you, "I don't know where you are coming from." Other people have expressed frustration with you over your lack of team play. You should conclude that you may be losing your expert power.

Accepted Answer

Expert power is derived from possessing knowledge or expertise in a particular area, not from interpersonal relationships or teamwork abilities. The comments described suggest issues with communication or collaboration, not necessarily a loss of expertise.

Quiz 5: Gaining Power and Influence