Organizational Power and Conflict

Organizational Power and Conflict

Conduct internet research and give examples, support, and explain your answers and positions.

1. What is the power structure in your organization?
2. Does the power structure match the organizational structure? (Who really has the power?)
3. How is conflict handled within the organization?
4. Is conflict viewed as a growth opportunity or as a nuisance?
5. Does conflict lead to change? If not, what initiates change in your organization?

References

Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems: A primer (D. Wright, Ed.). Chelsea Green Publishing.

Senge, P. M. (2006). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization (Revised and updated). Doubleday/Currency.

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APA

Organizational Power and Conflict

1. What is the power structure in your organization?

The power structure in an organization refers to how authority, decision-making, and influence are distributed. This can take various forms depending on the type of organization:

• Hierarchical power structure: Authority is concentrated at the top, with decisions trickling down through levels of management. Power is formalized and typically associated with roles and titles.
• Flat power structure: Fewer layers of management, leading to more collaboration and decentralized decision-making. Power is more distributed among employees.
• Networked power structure: Power is dispersed across various teams or groups, with decisions being made through informal networks of influence.

Example: In large corporations like Microsoft, there is typically a hierarchical structure at the top levels with the CEO and executive team having the final say on strategic decisions. However, power is also distributed at lower levels through cross-functional teams, fostering more collaboration.

2. Does the power structure match the organizational structure? (Who really has the power?)

The organizational structure refers to the formal framework that defines roles, responsibilities, and the flow of authority. Whether the power structure matches the organizational structure is a key point in understanding how power is exercised.

• Example of mismatch: In some organizations, the….