organizational politics are often a positive force. managers striving to make needed changes often encounter resistance from individuals and groups who feel threatened and wish to preserve the status quo. effective managers engage in politics to gain support for and implement needed changes. similarly, managers often face resistance from other managers who disagree with their goals for a group or for the organization and with what they are trying to accomplish. engaging in organizational politics can help managers overcome this resistance and achieve their goals. managers who use political strategies to increase and maintain their power are better able to influence others to work toward the achievement of group and organizational goals. legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent powers help managers influence others as leaders. by controlling uncertainty, making themselves irreplaceable, being in a central position, generating resources, and building alliances, managers can increase their power. do you know how to increase your power? this exercise will test your knowledge of the methods managers can use to increase their personal power in their organizations.
