Power, influence and political skills in organizations - 4th edition

Organizations, whether small, medium or large, exist to the extent that the people who work in them unite their efforts in pursuit of a common goal. Under the guidance of a leader, people are expected to subordinate their interests to those of the organization of which they are a part, in order to achieve a collective project. This conception of the organization must not obscure another organizational reality: that this relative harmony between people is often negotiated, or even imposed, through "power games". The organization thus becomes a political arena in which various interests clash, and are the subject of bargaining between members of the organization. Those with the most power will be able to make other members do what they want, and obtain their contribution to the achievement of organizational objectives. It's then that we'll be able to see which individuals have the most influence, i.e. those who will lead others to adopt the desired behaviors. Some will be more adept than others at using their power and expressing the influence that comes with it, and thus more likely to achieve the desired results. This is how the dynamics of power, influence and political skills (the ability to use one's power effectively in order to exert influence) unfold within organizations. This fourth edition of the book, considerably revised and expanded, describes the dynamics of power within organizations, the factors that give rise to and sustain them, and the strategies for gaining power, giving it, keeping it and withdrawing it from those who use it in ways that are deleterious to the organization and its members. Designed to make these often misunderstood and abstract notions accessible, it aims to equip the reader with the necessary means to use power skilfully and effectively within organizations. Finally, this book is prescriptive in that it provides advice on how to play the political game... and win!