Power as a Source of Conflict
POWER AS A SOURCE OF CONFLICTS
WHAT IS POWER?
Power is a measure of an entity's ability to control its environment, including the behavior of other entities. The term authority is often used for power, perceived as legitimate by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power is accepted as important to humans as social beings. In the corporate environment, power is often expressed as upward or downward. With downward power, a superior influences subordinates. When a system experiences upward power, it is the subordinates who influence the decisions of the leader (Greiner & Schein, 1988). Power is broadly defined as "the capacity to bring about change." It takes many forms, comes from many places, and is measured in many ways.
WHAT IS CONFLICT?
An open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals); "the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph" Conflict is actual or perceived opposition of needs, values and interests. A conflict can be internal (within oneself) and external (between two opposing parties).
A conflict can also be defined as a struggle to resist or overcome; contest of opposing forces or powers; strife; battle. A state or condition of opposition; antagonism; discord. A painful tension set up by a clash between opposed and contradictory impulses.
TYPES OF POWER (AS PER CHANGING MINDS .ORG)
Ownership
If I own something then I can also use it in any way I like. If I own a chair I can set fire to it, which I couldn't do if I had borrowed it from you. If I own money, I can spend it any way I choose.
Access control
Another form of ownership is where you are the gatekeeper to something that is desired. Bouncers at night clubs and company receptionists are gatekeepers to entire organizations. Personal assistants control access to the managers they serve. Librarians control access to knowledge.
Knowledge
Knowledge is power, as they say. If I know something, then I can use it to my advantage. Knowledge may
WHAT IS POWER?
Power is a measure of an entity's ability to control its environment, including the behavior of other entities. The term authority is often used for power, perceived as legitimate by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power is accepted as important to humans as social beings. In the corporate environment, power is often expressed as upward or downward. With downward power, a superior influences subordinates. When a system experiences upward power, it is the subordinates who influence the decisions of the leader (Greiner & Schein, 1988). Power is broadly defined as "the capacity to bring about change." It takes many forms, comes from many places, and is measured in many ways.
WHAT IS CONFLICT?
An open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals); "the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph" Conflict is actual or perceived opposition of needs, values and interests. A conflict can be internal (within oneself) and external (between two opposing parties).
A conflict can also be defined as a struggle to resist or overcome; contest of opposing forces or powers; strife; battle. A state or condition of opposition; antagonism; discord. A painful tension set up by a clash between opposed and contradictory impulses.
TYPES OF POWER (AS PER CHANGING MINDS .ORG)
Ownership
If I own something then I can also use it in any way I like. If I own a chair I can set fire to it, which I couldn't do if I had borrowed it from you. If I own money, I can spend it any way I choose.
Access control
Another form of ownership is where you are the gatekeeper to something that is desired. Bouncers at night clubs and company receptionists are gatekeepers to entire organizations. Personal assistants control access to the managers they serve. Librarians control access to knowledge.
Knowledge
Knowledge is power, as they say. If I know something, then I can use it to my advantage. Knowledge may
References: World Wide Web http://www.google.com.gh/search?hl=en&biw=1366&bih=571&defl=en&q=define:conflict&sa=X&ei=_6V0TYjHApGwhQf7xMBT&ved=0CCsQkAE http://www.teambuildinginc.com/tps/031a.htm http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/threats/ http://changingminds.org/explanations/power/power_types.htm http://www.shoaheducation.com/nazibeliefsFAQ.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Germany http://www.beyondintractability.org/user_guides/third_side/equalizers_why-power-inequality-problem.jsp Books Peter T. Coleman. "Power and Conflict." Morton Deutsch and Peter T. Coleman, eds., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice San Francisco: Jossey-Bas Publishers, 2000, pp. 108-130.