For Dr. NK
Week 3 Discussion 1
Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity:
· Textbook: Chapter 5
· Link (video): Leadership Tutorial: Using Positive Power and Politics
· https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ljW2aZLeeo
· Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post
Introduction For this discussion post, you will watch a short video discussing politics and power in the workplace. Before watching the video, reflect on the following questions:
· When you hear the word politics, what comes to mind? What adjectives would you use to describe the practice of politics?
· Should there be power and politics in an organization? Can and should management stop the use of power and politics in their organizations?
Now, watch the video keeping in mind your previous reflections on power and politics.
Initial Post Instructions In your post, discuss the following:
· Did your reflections align with those presented in the video? Explain.
· Have you experienced political behavior as that described in the video? Has it been a positive or a negative experience?
· How would you rate your political skills based on what was discussed in class and in the video? What kind of political behavior have you used the most?
Secondary Post Instructions Read and respond to posts made by at least two peers. Respond in one of the following ways:
· Ask a probing question.
· Share an insight from having read your peer’s post.
· Offer and support an opinion.
· Validate an idea with your own experience.
· Make a suggestion.
Writing Requirements
· In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.
· Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words
· Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post
· Use APA format for in-text citations and list of references.
Grading and Assessment Meeting the minimum number of postings does not guarantee an A; you must present an in-depth discussion of high quality, integrate sources to support your assertions, and refer to peers’ comments in your secondary posts to build on concepts.
Course Learning Outcome(s): 1, 3, 5, 6 1. Develop a working definition of leadership. 3. Interpret the characteristics of leadership. 5. Generalize the responsibilities of successful leadership experiences. 6. Construct a personal plan for leadership.
Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:55 pm ET on Wednesday Due Date for Secondary Posts: By 11:55 pm ET on Saturday
Week 3 Discussion 2
Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity:
· Textbook: Chapter 5
· Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post
Initial Post Instructions After completing the textbook reading and viewing the Leadership Tutorial video, expand upon the following:
· Do you believe that most managers use influencing (power, politics, networking, and negotiating) for the good of the organization or for their own personal benefit? Explain why.
· What can be done to help managers be more ethical in influencing others? Provide examples.
Secondary Post Instructions Read and respond to posts made by at least two peers. Respond in one of the following ways:
· Ask a probing question.
· Share an insight from having read your peer’s post.
· Offer and support an opinion.
· Validate an idea with your own experience.
· Make a suggestion.
Writing Requirements
· In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.
· Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words
· Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post
· Use APA format for in-text citations and list of references.
Grading and Assessment Meeting the minimum number of postings does not guarantee an A; you must present an in-depth discussion of high quality, integrate sources to support your assertions, and refer to peers’ comments in your secondary posts to build on concepts.
Course Learning Outcome(s): 3, 5, 6 3. Interpret the characteristics of leadership. 5. Generalize the responsibilities of successful leadership experiences. 6. Construct a personal plan for leadership.
Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:55 pm ET on Wednesday Due Date for Secondary Posts: By 11:55 pm ET on Saturday
Week 3 Assignment: Essay
Resources Read/review the following resources for this activity:
· Textbook: Chapter 5
· Minimum of 2 library resources
Introduction Power is about achieving influence over others. In order to understand organizations and why certain decisions are made, it’s important to understand the power of those who are considered to be at the top and seem to have the ultimate decision-making influence. There is a strong connection between power and politics. Politics is not just about candidates vying for your votes in the government political arena. Politics is part of our everyday work world.
There are two sources of power, position power and personal power. Position power is derived from top management and is delegated down the chain of command. Person power is derived from followers, based on the leader’s behavior. Politics is the process of gaining and using power. No matter where we are in our work situation, we can learn to understand the power of politics and gain skills to use that power to advance a career.
There are also two types of workplace politics: positive and negative. Positive power in an organization encourages productivity and motivates employees by giving decision-making power, rewarding and recognizing performance. Employees are happier and more productive when they have the power to express ideas and concerns. A climate in the workplace that is focused on collaboration and equal treatment can prevent or mitigate conflict. Organizations and those in positions of power and influence that develop climates of negativity and conflict can develop a climate of dishonest and unethical behavior. When leaders don’t have the respect of those under them, they have negative power. Negative power motivates employees with threats of job loss and or show favoritism to certain employees, but does not recognize hard work of others. In order to develop positive power and politics, it’s necessary to have clear policies and specified chains of command and accountability. We can look at our own work place environment and evaluate those who are in power and how they implement the combination of power and politics and analyze if they are successful.
Activity Instructions Write an essay discussing the following:
· How do you view/define power and politics?
· Explain the interconnection between power and politics. Be specific.
· Explain why those with political skills have greater power and influence in the business world. Provide examples.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
· 3-4 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page
· 1-inch margins
· Double spaced
· 12-point Times New Roman font
· Title page with topic and name of student
· References page (minimum of 2 resources)
Grading and Assessment This activity will be graded based on academic content, integration of resources, and college-level writing and grammar.
Course Learning Outcome(s): 1, 3, 5 1. Develop a working definition of leadership. 3. Interpret the characteristics of leadership. 5. Generalize the responsibilities of successful leadership experiences.
Due Date: By 11:55 pm ET on Sunday