RIFT VALLEY UNIVERSITY
BULE HORA CAMPUS
Faculty Of Buiness and Economics
Department of Business Management
Program Weekend (BSc.) 2nd Year 2nd semester
Course Title:- Organizational Behavior
Corse Code : MGMT 2091
Group Assignment
Section One
Name ID No
1. Dido Galgalo 0151/2016
2. Lami Tentira 0015/2016
3. Gadisa Boru 0063/2016
4. Marara Halake 0100/2016
5. Ayano Daraso 0013/2016
Submitted To: Mr.Mustaf H.
Submission Date : June 11, 2025
BULE HORA,ETHIOPIA
1 compare and contrast legitimate power and expart power in terms of their effective in
organizational setting?
Sure! Let’s break down legitimate power and expert power in an organizational setting.
Legitimate Power
- Definition : Authority derived from a person's position within an organization. This includes managers,
supervisors, or anyone in a formal role.
- Source : Based on established laws, rules, or organizational hierarchy.
- Effectiveness :
- Pros :
- Clear structure and expectations.
- Easier to enforce decisions and policies.
- Cons :
- Can lead to compliance without commitment; employees may follow orders just because they're
required.
- Might foster resentment if abused or overused.
Expert Power
- Definition : Authority based on an individual's skills, knowledge, or experience in a specific area. �
- Source : Derived from personal attributes, credentials, and expertise rather than formal position.
- Effectiveness :
- Pros :
- Highly respected; tends to inspire and influence others positively.
- Encourages collaboration and trust within teams.
- Cons :
- Limited to specific areas of expertise; not everyone may recognize or respect that knowledge.
- May create dependence on the expert, potentially stalling decision-making if they're unavailable.
Comparison
- Authority vs. Influence : Legitimate power is positional, while expert power is based on individual
capability.
- Engagement : Expert power often leads to higher engagement as it fosters respect; legitimate power
might result in passive compliance.
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- Adaptability : Expert power can adapt more easily to changes in the organization, as it relies on
knowledge rather than hierarchy.
Conclusion
In an ideal organizational setting, a balance of both powers can be beneficial. Legitimate power provides
structure, while expert power drives innovation and motivation!
2 how do organizational politics impacts decision making process within a team ?
Organizational politics can significantly impact the decision-making process within a team in several
ways:
1. Influence and Power Dynamics : Team members may use their influence to sway decisions,
prioritizing their interests over the team's goals.
2. Conflict and Tension: Political agendas can create conflicts, leading to a lack of collaboration and
fragmented decision-making.
3. Information Control: Some individuals may withhold or manipulate information to gain an advantage,
which can lead to poorly informed decisions.
4. Groupthink : The desire for harmony may suppress dissenting opinions, resulting in decisions that are
not critically evaluated.
5. Resource Allocation: Political maneuvering can affect how resources are distributed, impacting the
feasibility of decisions made.
6. Risk Aversion : Teams may avoid making bold decisions out of fear of backlash from those with
political power.
7. Motivation and Morale: Politics can either inspire or demoralize team members, affecting their
engagement in the decision-making process.
By understanding these impacts, teams can work to mitigate negative effects and foster a more
transparent and cooperative decision-making environment!
3" discuss the role of Coalition building achiving organization goal. Provide example of when this
might be beneficial?
Coalition building plays a vital role in achieving organizational goals by uniting diverse groups to share
resources, knowledge, and influence. It fosters collaboration, amplifies voices, and strengthens advocacy
efforts.
Key Roles of Coalition Building:
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1. Resource Sharing : Organizations can pool financial, human, and informational resources, making it
easier to tackle large projects.
2. Strength in Numbers : A coalition can present a unified front, making it harder for opponents to
dismiss concerns.
3. Diverse Perspectives : Bringing together various stakeholders leads to innovative solutions and
comprehensive strategies.
4. Increased Visibility : A larger group attracts more attention from media and policymakers, raising the
profile of the cause.
Example of Benefits:
Consider a community fighting against environmental pollution. Several organizations—like
environmental groups, local businesses, and public health advocates—might form a coalition. By
working together, they can:
- Share data on pollution impacts and gather citizen support.
- Use combined resources to launch campaigns or legal actions.
- Engage with policy makers as a larger, more influential entity, advocating for stricter regulations.
In this scenario, the coalition not only enhances the capacity to achieve their goal but also fosters
community engagement and awareness.
4 Evaluate the implication of legitimate vs. illegitimate political behavior on organizational culture and
employe morale?
Coalition building plays a vital role in achieving organizational goals by uniting diverse groups to share
resources, knowledge, and influence. It fosters collaboration, amplifies voices, and strengthens advocacy
efforts.
Key Roles of Coalition Building:
1. Resource Sharing : Organizations can pool financial, human, and informational resources, making it
easier to tackle large projects.
2. Strength in Numbers : A coalition can present a unified front, making it harder for opponents to
dismiss concerns.
3. Diverse Perspectives : Bringing together various stakeholders leads to innovative solutions and
comprehensive strategies.
4. Increased Visibility : A larger group attracts more attention from media and policymakers, raising the
profile of the cause.
Example of Benefits:
3
Consider a community fighting against environmental pollution. Several organizations—like
environmental groups, local businesses, and public health advocates—might form a coalition. By
working together, they can:
- Share data on pollution impacts and gather citizen support.
- Use combined resources to launch campaigns or legal actions.
- Engage with policymakers as a larger, more influential entity, advocating for stricter regulations.
In this scenario, the coalition not only enhances the capacity to achieve their goal but also fosters
community engagement and awareness.
Certainly! Let's delve into the implications of legitimate vs. illegitimate political behavior on
organizational culture and employee morale.
Legitimate Political Behavior
1. Definition : Actions that align with the organization’s values and ethics, aimed at influencing decisions
and outcomes in a constructive way.
2. Implications :
- Positive Culture : Fosters a culture of transparency, trust, and collaboration. Employees feel safe
expressing their ideas and opinions.
- Enhances Morale : When employees see their peers advocating for positive change, it boosts overall
morale and engagement.
- Encourages Participation : Employees are more likely to participate in decision-making processes,
contributing to a sense of ownership and belonging.
Illegitimate Political Behavior
1. Definition : Actions that are unethical or self-serving, often at the expense of others or organizational
integrity.
2. Implications :
- Toxic Culture : Creates an environment of distrust, fear, and competition, leading to a breakdown in
teamwork and communication.
- Decreased Morale : Employees may feel demotivated, undervalued, or even fearful of job security,
leading to disengagement and higher turnover rates.
- Resistance to Change : Illegitimate behaviors can result in skepticism towards leadership and
initiatives, making it difficult to implement positive changes.
Overall Impact
- Organizational Performance : A culture leaning toward legitimate political behavior is often more
adaptable and innovative, while environments rife with illegitimate behaviors struggle with inefficiency
and conflict.
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- Employee Retention : Organizations that cultivate legitimate behaviors tend to retain talent better, as
employees seek supportive and ethical workplaces.
In summary, fostering legitimate political behaviors can lead to a thriving organizational culture, while
illegitimate behaviors can undermine morale and overall performance. Striking a balance and promoting
ethical engagement is key!
