Even when one has legitimate authority or power in organizational settings, the use of such overt power can only result in compliance. Commitment and cooperation are generally more dependent on influence that is not based on power. Further, most of the time professionals and even managers must rely on influence as they lack authority.

Cohen and Bradford state "if the basis of organizational influence depends on mutually satisfactory exchanges, then people are influential only insofar as they can offer something that others need”.

Do you agree? Have you seen this in operation? How would you gauge your level of influence, and what do you attribute the source of that influence to?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

I do agree with the statement For instance many people who have great ideas very innovative minds ... View the full answer