SOCIAL POWER - CORPORATE, NONPROFIT, GOVERNMENT, EDUCATION

A review of literature analyzes research previously done with the French and Raven (1959) bases of social power and understanding these studies in the work contexts of corporate, nonprofit, government, and educational organizations. An interview with leaders in each sector suggest that: (a) In the corporate sector, legitimate power may be the most influential power base, (b) In the nonprofit sector and educational sector, personal powers may be more prevalent than positional powers and (c) In the government sector, informational power and referent power may be the most prevalent power base. Influence is an interpersonal tool that people utilize every day. It may be publicized through broad media coverage or used under a pact of anonymity and confidentiality. Whether influence is primarily good or bad, visible or discreet, learned or innate; interpersonal influence has been, is, and will remain a profound characteristic of human existence. Although people use interpersonal influence in their families, communities, and across a sector of organizations that have a bearing on personal lifestyle, it is especially evident in the workplace.