Power - In class we defined power as the ability to influence the behavior of others to get what you want. However we also learned in class that there are different kinds of power and different was to influence people using power.
There is legitimate power, which comes from one's organizational role or position. Reward power which is the ability to grant a reward, such as an increase in pay or a bonus or even a promotion. Coercive power which is the ability to take something away or punish someone for non complying with what you ask. Expert power which comes from skill and/or knowledge. And last but not least, Information power which comes from access to specific information.
I can think of times when I have demonstrated all of these types of power. Not all in a good way though. I believe that there is a good way to demonstrate all of these types of a power, a positive way, but on the other hand there is also a negative or bad way that doesn't paint a very good picture of the person in power.
For example this may not sound like a lot to some but I am helping potty train my niece. We use a reward system for every time she goes on the big potty and not in her diaper. If she goes on the big potty she gets stickers or a piece of candy. This makes her want to use it more. However with her mom if she goes in her diaper then sometimes her mom will make her sit on the potty for 5 minutes to try to make her realize what she did wrong. I don't think that this helps, I think that this is using the reward power system to the maximum in a negative way. At my house she isn't punished for not going on the potty but she isn't rewarded either. She only gets the reward when she goes on the potty, when she doesn't go on the potty she gets sad when she realizes she won't be getting and stickers or a piece of candy. In my opinion I think that her sadness if enough to make her realize that next time she wants to go on the potty. With my sister though I feel that she will just feel shame for not going on the potty. What do you think?
Can you think of a time you displayed one of these uses of power? Was it positively or negatively?
Posted By: Amy Beagles
To answer your first question, I am going to agree with you. I like the reward system in this case. It makes the toddler know that they did a good thing. This will make them want to do it over again. I think it is could enough punishment just to make sure that she realizes that see will not be getting a reward if she goes in her diaper. I think I have a problem with Coercive power. I am the person that needs to have things done my way. I feel that I am always trying someway to manipulate a person into doing things may way. I need find away to use this power as a positive thing and not so much as a negative one.
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Jeff Blankenship