Power Imbalances Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

campaign Imbalances - Coursework Example1. mental institution Most of the great achievements of contemporary organizations have been accomplished by adopting various new strategies in closely e truly sphere including organizational culture, systems, technology, human resources, operations etc. These achievements have not only change magnitude competition but also necessitated, or even given rise to, various changes in spotment. bingle such change is the organizational structure that has changed to being a flat structure from a ranked one in most of the organizations. On the one hand, the flat organizational structure has helped in reduction the number of managerial levels in order to improve accessibility and increase accountability besides modify efficiency, reducing costs and better em force outment on the other hand, this structure has bred power imbalances with greater enduringness than the hierarchical structure, thus giving rise to potential conflicts. Paradoxically, these power imbalances also hinder attempts to manage conflicts. fork up discourse will focus on understanding this aspect of power imbalance at workplaces and its wallop on conflict charge found on certain situations. Recommendations will be made based on the issues identified and conclusions will be finally drawn. 2. An understanding of power and conflict Power refers to the problematic force experienced by the great unwashed, usually based on their position. According to Daft (2009), power may be defined as the potential ability of one person (or department) to influence other people (or department) to carry orders or to do something they would not otherwise have done (p. 497). Power is a very important strength that managers/leaders should use in the most appropriate manner to achieve in demand(p) outcomes. Power is used to set goals, define targets, rules and policies, and to manage performance power is also used to manage conflicts among individuals and groups. Daft (2 009) explains that conflict is usually the outcome of interaction among people or groups with differing opinions. Conflicts can either be helpful or harmful for the organizations and its employees. Conflicts that can instigate differential thinking and innovative options are usually helpful, whereas conflicts in terms of goals, understanding, opinions, interpretation, perception etc are usually harmful and can lead to severe consequences. 3. human relationship between power and conflict To deal with all kinds of conflicts, managers leverage their position and power. According to the conflict theory, power is an essential element in managing conflict or in influencing others to produce desired outcome (Andersen & Taylor, 2007). Power by virtue of position provides the authority for individuals to exercise their aspirations, which can also be a cause for conflict sometimes. Moreover, usage of power, by virtue of position, to manage conflicts can be a hindrance. All these instances co uld be a result of the phenomenon associated with power and its usage that is usually, and also, the reason for power imbalance. 4. Power imbalance and conflict management Weinstein (2001) has extensively elaborated on the impact of power imbalance in mediation process. In this elaboration, she has evermore emphasized on the fact that the organizations success and instances impacted by power imbalances cannot be separated. Very often, the hierarchical positions that decide the intensity or scope of power itself act as the causes for conflicts.