Abstract
Handy in 1990 described power as a puzzle. It was written as power is a complex and odd concept, since it sounds like a negative word and few people want to admit to having it and yet we can all see it around us and we want to be part of the powerful not the powerless. To begin with, one can utilize the definition laid down by Pfeffer (1992). He describes power as the potential ability to influence behavior, to change the course of events, to overcome resistance and to get people to do things that they would not otherwise do. The link between power, influence, control and authority is explicitly visible in this definition. The latter also shows the idea of manipulation that is contained within it. The four levels of power will be discussed later in this report. The focus will also be on the individualistic approach, the structural and cultural approach and finally the power of relationships. The questions answered will be on ?What are the main theories of power and are they relevant in the context of the workplace?' In this essay we will first define the concept of power in an in depth manner. This will be followed by the three main theories and a comparison will be undertaken. Further, the organisational power and an overview of the surrounding concepts such as control and authority will be reflected upon. Finally, the relationship of power in organizations which is the result of conflicts and their resolutions will be studied.
