Managing With Power

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Location in the Communication Network

There is an old saying that knowledge is power, and it certainly holds true in organizations. The knowledge that produces power in organizations is not only technical knowledge about the work process itself, but also knowledge of the firm’s social system. One’s access to social knowledge depends on one’s position in the network of communication and social interaction. People who are well placed in the communication network also tend to be the central players in terms of power and influence. Those who have valuable social connections within the organization are also fortunate. Powerful people have powerful friends, it is said, both because they may offer advice and assistance and because we learn by watching ...