According
to the book by Harris and Sherblom, having ability to access particular
information that is valued generates expert Power. To the extent that a
group has a problem to solve that involves an understanding of technical,
regulatory, political or other specialized information those with that
information will be in position to exercise their power to guide and influence
the group discussion and decision making.
For
eg: in the community group looking for solutions to its solid waste disposal
problem, a trash hauler for the community may have expert power. That person
knows the amount and content of the trash that needs to be disposed of, and
this information becomes a vital element in the decision making process.
However it is important to keep the power of that person in perspective of the
problem so that it doesn’t ride over the larger goals of the group process. However,
it frequently is easy for those who hold expert power to abuse it by directing
it, consciously or unconsciously toward some measure of personal growth.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that people with personal experience should guide groups upon decision-making. When people are confused on making decisions, there should be someone for guidance to help. For instance, I work for a company called TP-Link, however the company is based in Los Angeles. TP-Link introduced me to their marketing team here in the South Bay Area that I communicate with monthly. It is my job to make sure the sales are going well with Fry’s and Central Computer here in Northern California. With proper guidance, I complete my job easily and efficiently with the help of expert power. Otherwise, I would be lost and have no completed assignment to submit.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated the fact that you were able to explain this part of the chapter because I read through it and did not completely understand it and now I did. I do think that having specific knowledge does generate power. If I have a certain skill or trait that people wish to use or learn from then I become in demand and that make me powerful. I can see this in a group where people are unfamiliar with a subject and one person has previous knowledge. Immediately people look at this person with respect because they wish to learn and need this person to lead. The power associated is that now the person is now a leader and can make decisions because of everyone else’s lack f knowledge. I do think that it is important to not let all of your knowledge out to the public because it will make you look as if you don’t have anymore to offer and that can make you lose power.