As part of my MBA program, I’m taking a class on teams. Last week we discussed power dynamics in groups. I found the discussion interesting as it relates to state politics.

I’ve copied my notes (which are effectively copies of the instructor’s slides) below:

Power corrupts
Effects on power holders:

• Self-serving attributions
• Ingroup favoritism
• Outgroup derogation
• Creation of systems, rules, and ideologies that favor the self and the group
• Conviction that self-serving rules are fair and legitimate
• Lack of attention to subordinates and their perspectives
• Lack of awareness of social norms

Responses of the Powerless:

• Lack of participation (internalization)

• Believe that success is impossible (fatalism)
• Withdrawal and apathy (learned helplessness)

Goup energy is depleted

Rebellion (externalization)

• Believe that the system is unfair

Feelings of anger and resentment

Group energy is directed toward changing the system rather than toward the organization’s goals

Posted in Utah Politics