
376
PART III: ORGANIZATIONAL PROCESSES
Using Role Power
In most cases, the power attached to a leadership position is more potent than the person
who occupies it realizes. For example, the position of the administrative head of a country
has great power—no matter who occupies it. To a lesser degree, the same is true for corporate
presidents, police chiefs, and other government o cials.
Role power is, generally, accepted without question. People, however, do not react well
to leaders who abuse power. A boss who betrays his employees’ trust will soon nd himself
without followers. As a leader, one should live with role power comfortably and use ...