Case Study Instructions: Buffalo Zoo Please read the case study- if you cannot- then access the video in Tegrity on the Buffalo Zoo. Additionally, to complete this written assignment, read/view the Buffalo Zoo Case Study then cut & past the questions (located at the end of the case study and fully answer the questions. Use the information below to help you answer the question related to power. Paper Format- Use 1.5 inch margins, 12 point Times New Roman font and the double spaced paper must be between 1.25 to 2.5 pages in length. Use no figures, illustrations, tables, or abstract. Use in-text citations and reference page if you cite external sources. Be sure to upload this completed paper in both Blackboard under the Live Text Button on the left menu and in Live Text at www.livetext.com. The Five Bases of Power Formal Power (one category) Coercive Coercive power is conveyed through fear of losing ones job, being demoted, receiving a poor performance review, having prime projects taken away, etc. This power is gotten through threatening others. For example, the VP of Sales who threatens sales folks to meet their goals or get replaced. Reward Reward power is conveyed through rewarding individuals for compliance with ones wishes. This may be done through giving bonuses, raises, a promotion, extra time off from work, etc. For example, the supervisor who provides employees comp time when they meet an objective she sets for a project. Legitimate Legitimate power comes from having a position of power in an organization, such as being the boss or a key member of a leadership team. This power comes when employees in the organization recognize the authority of the individual. For example, the CEO who determines the overall direction of the company and the resource needs of the company. Personal Power (a second category) Expert Expert power comes from ones experiences, skills or knowledge. As we gain experience in particular areas, and become thought leaders in those areas, we begin to gather expert power that can be utilized to get others to help us meet our goals. For example, the Project Manager who is an expert at solving particularly challenging problems to ensure a project stays on track. Referent Referent power comes from being trusted and respected. We can gain referent power when others trust what we do and respect us for how we handle situations. For example, the Human Resource Associate who is known for ensuring employees are treated fairly and coming to the rescue of those who are not. As you can see, you dont have to be in a leadership or senior level role in an organization to have some form of power. In fact, the most respect is garnered on those who have personal sources of power. There is more respect for these individuals than for those who have power simply because they are the boss in the business. It has been shown that when employees in an organization associate the leaderships power with expert or referent power, they are more engaged, more devoted to the organization and their role within it. Employees are also more willing to go the extra mile to reach organizational goals. What is your source of power? And are you using the right source or simply throwing your weight around? How effectively do you use your source of power to meet key goals and objectives?
