Compare and contrast formal and informal aspects of power. If one aspect of power is greater than the others (e.g. formal is greater than informal, or vice versa), then how do you leverage one to increase the other?
Formal and informal aspects of power.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between formal and informal power:
Feature | Formal Power | Informal Power |
---|---|---|
Source of power | Position or role in an organization | Personal characteristics or relationships |
Associated with | Authority, control, decision-making | Charisma, influence, getting things done |
Granted by | Organization or society | Individual |
Examples | CEO, manager, government official | Celebrity, expert, mentor |
In general, formal power is more visible and easier to measure than informal power. However, informal power can be just as powerful, if not more so. This is because informal power is often based on personal relationships and trust, which can be more difficult to break than formal authority.
If one aspect of power is greater than the others, then it can be leveraged to increase the other. For example, a person with a lot of formal power can use their position to build relationships and gain informal power. Similarly, a person with a lot of informal power can use their influence to gain formal power.
It is important to note that formal and informal power are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often work together to create a more complex power dynamic. For example, a CEO may use their formal power to make decisions, but they may also rely on their informal power to get those decisions implemented.
Ultimately, the most effective leaders are those who are able to leverage both formal and informal power to achieve their goals. They understand that power is not a finite resource, and that it can be used to build relationships, create change, and achieve success.
Formal power is power that is derived from a person's position in an organization or society. It is typically associated with authority, control, and the ability to make decisions. Formal power can be granted by a person's title, position, or role. For example, a CEO has formal power over the employees of their company.
Informal power is power that is derived from a person's personal characteristics or relationships. It is often associated with charisma, influence, and the ability to get things done. Informal power can be earned by a person's expertise, reputation, or connections. For example, a celebrity may have informal power over their fans.