In: Operations Management
To define power first we need to identify various element of the power. Highlight its permanent and non-permanent variables in details.
Various important variables being it non permanent or permanent elements of power are as follows:
1. Hierarchical Authority: The first important variable for the power would the hierarchial position or the authority which is given to the person. This is a non permanent source or variable of power providing the limited power that comes with the position the person is holding in the organisation. For example, your manager has the power to fire you because he is at a higher position than you. If this position would be degraded, his power would be lost to fire you.
2. Experience: Another important variable for the power is the experience a person is holding and the regarded knowledge that comes with the experience. This is a permanent variable for the power as the experience you share and have in the organisation could not be stolen from you. The experience remains with you thus making you wiser and better with your decisions and use of power. For example, your manager is having 10 years of experience in sales management and thus is having a power of control for the sales. This experienced power is a permanent variable.
3. Reward: Another non permanent variable for the power in the organisation is the reward. The essential power also comes with the transactional leadership that what they are having to offer as reward would give them them the power the exercise. For example, if your manager is giving you to perform any activity and having a power on you by giving you more salary or variable pay, this is a non permanent way of making you do the things.
4. Information and skills: At last, one last important permanent variable for the power would be the skills and information you are holding to address the people. This is a permanent element of the power as the technical information, leadership and motivational skills you are holding would help you to exploit your power in a better manner. For example, your manager is having the communication skill that helps him to communicate and managing his position and the subordinates in a better manner. This is a power which cannot be stolen.