2. POWER
Power is an ability to do, act or produce –Webster
dictionary
Power is ability to affect the attitudes or behavior of
others.
Power is closely related to influence, which may be
either direct or indirect.
1) Direct influence is based on role expectations
associated with a given position.
2) Indirect influence involves role modeling, advice,
guidance &persuasion.
3. DEFINITION
Power is ability to influence other people despite
resistance on the part of other person. In other words,
one person or group can impose its will on another
person or group (Haslam, 2001).
4. TYPES & SOURCES OF POWER
1.
Legitimate
power
2.
Referent
power
3.
Expert
power
4.
Reward
power
7.
Persuasive
power
6.
Information-
al power:
5.
Coercive
power
5. SKILLS USED IN POWER
ACQUISITION
1)Peer skill
2)Leadership skill
3)Information processing skill
4)Conflict resolution
5)Skill in unstructured decision making
6)Entrepreneurial skill
6. STRATEGIES FOR POWER
• Strategies for developing the
powerful image: -
Self image
Grooming and dress
Good manners
Body language
Speech
Attitude and belief
Carrier commitment
Continued development
7. PERSONAL POWER
STRATEGIESBe honest
Always be polite, it makes other people feel good.
Learn to be a comfortable in conflict and ambiguity: they are
both normal state of human condition.
Accept responsibility for your own mistakes and learn from
them
Smile whenever appropriate. It puts people to ease.
Be a risk taker.
Win and loss gracefully.
Give the credit to other where credit is due.
8. APPLICATION TO NURSING
All nurse managers possess some degree of legitimate power –
authority to carry out organizational decisions & goals.
This authority is supplemented by nurse manager’s power to
reward or coerce.
Nurse mangers become leaders through the development referent
& expert power bases that inspire others’ obedience & loyalty.
By developing referent & expert power, in nurse leader need not
rely on legitimate power.
9. Contt….
A nurse leader can empower others by sharing power
through delegation & participation in decision
making, empowerment enhances self competence &
self esteem.
Self competence, as manifested by clinical expertise,
advanced knowledge & expert clinical judgment is
the ultimate form of power.
A nurse manager & nurse leader can use the various
sources of power to effect change at the unit,
organizational & professional levels.
