Introduction
Thank you everyone for coming to this workshop. Today we are going to learn about the role of power in solving conflicts in a workplace. Conflicts are common in a workplace and they occur do to various factors including poor management, lack of communication, conflict of interest and conflicting roles among other (Lewicki et al., 2014). There are various types of powers that exist in a workplace as demonstrated in below.
Types of Power in the Workplace
It is necessary to learn these types of power so that we understand the most effective power in solving conflicts in the workplace. Firstly, legitimate power involves power possessed by those in authority especially in higher positions of leadership in an organization (Lewicki et al., 2014). Secondly, informational power is possessed by those who have access to specific details that others do not know about. Thirdly expert power is demonstrated by those who have unique skills that others lack. Referent power is possessed by those who are highly respected especially due to their personality and can therefore influence others (Lewicki et al., 2014). Lastly, reward power is exercised by those with the authority to reward employees for their achievements.
Legitimate Power
Having understood the various types of powers in an organization, it is important to focus to legitimate power which presents itself as the most effective power in solving conflicts in an organization (Lewicki et al., 2014). Legitimate power gives one leadership responsibilities and the privilege of making orders. In this case, people with legitimate power have a better chance to exert influence over their subjects than those with the other forms of power. For instance, legitimate power enables one to easily trace the route cause of the problem by giving them the leverage to interrogate and investigate the conflicting parties (Lewicki et al., 2014). Once the source of the problem has been identified, a favorable solution to both parties can be arrived at. Legitimate power makes it easier for one to pronounce judgement and demand the ruling to be respected.
Strategies of Legitimate Power in Solving Conflicts
AS already demonstrated, the legitimate power gives one privileges in influencing the outcome of a conflict. There are several strategies that one can implement using legitimate power to successfully solve a conflict. Firstly, one must embrace the conflict and acknowledge the dispute between the concerned parties rather than assume or ignore the conflict. Secondly, is necessary to mediate between the conflicting parties to understand the source of the problem. This strategy lays the foundation for making the final decision. Thirdly, it is essential to listen to the interests and demand of the two sides in finding a fair and just solution to the conflict. Fourthly, based on the information available, one should use legitimate power to pronounce the final judgement to the conflict and provide guidance to the conflicting parties to embrace the solution provided and dictate the consequences for violating the agreement. These strategies are mostly applicable by those with legitimate power and provide aim to provide a fair and just solution to a conflict in a workplace.
References
Lewicki, R., Barry, B., & Saunders, D. (2014). Negotiation: Readings, Exercises, and Cases:7th Revised. Mcgraw Hill Higher Education.