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Analysis of Group Leadership and Power Dynamics
Science in Behavioral Health Science, Grand Canyon University
BHS-240: Leadership Style Chart and Reflection
2
Role and Development of Power
Power dynamics within a group can be observed through various interactions. The first
one would be Decision Making. In the video, the group leader often made decisions that guided
the direction of the discussion. This is an example of positional power, where the leader has
authority due to their role. “Team leaders have less positional power than managers, so they are
more likely to use cooperative influence strategies” (Levi, D., & Askay, D. A. 2020. P. 227). The
second one would be influence. Another example is when a group member influenced the
group's opinion on the topic. This is an example of personal power, where influence is gained
through persuasion and charisma. Last but not least, knowledge. A group member who had
specific knowledge or expertise also held power. This is an example of expert power. “Power
can be analyzed by examining where it comes from and the types of techniques that are used to
exert power. Team members gain power through soft bases (e.g., being an expert) and harsh
bases (e.g., having authority delegated by the organization). Influence tactics can be based on
encouraging others or trying to control others” (Levi, D., & Askay, D. A. 2020. P. 243). These
power dynamics affect the group by shaping the direction of discussions and influencing the
group's decisions.
Influences on Conformity and Resistance
, Conformity and resistance within a group can be influenced by various factors. The first
factor I noticed was Peer Pressure. One example is when a group member changed their opinion
to align with the majority of others in the group. This is an example of conformity due to peer
pressure. The second one I noticed was Dissent. An example is when a group member disagreed
with the majority opinion in the group. This is an example of resistance. “A defensive climate
can emerge from communication aimed at controlling other people by telling them what to do.
Analysis of Group Leadership and Power Dynamics
Science in Behavioral Health Science, Grand Canyon University
BHS-240: Leadership Style Chart and Reflection
2
Role and Development of Power
Power dynamics within a group can be observed through various interactions. The first
one would be Decision Making. In the video, the group leader often made decisions that guided
the direction of the discussion. This is an example of positional power, where the leader has
authority due to their role. “Team leaders have less positional power than managers, so they are
more likely to use cooperative influence strategies” (Levi, D., & Askay, D. A. 2020. P. 227). The
second one would be influence. Another example is when a group member influenced the
group's opinion on the topic. This is an example of personal power, where influence is gained
through persuasion and charisma. Last but not least, knowledge. A group member who had
specific knowledge or expertise also held power. This is an example of expert power. “Power
can be analyzed by examining where it comes from and the types of techniques that are used to
exert power. Team members gain power through soft bases (e.g., being an expert) and harsh
bases (e.g., having authority delegated by the organization). Influence tactics can be based on
encouraging others or trying to control others” (Levi, D., & Askay, D. A. 2020. P. 243). These
power dynamics affect the group by shaping the direction of discussions and influencing the
group's decisions.
Influences on Conformity and Resistance
, Conformity and resistance within a group can be influenced by various factors. The first
factor I noticed was Peer Pressure. One example is when a group member changed their opinion
to align with the majority of others in the group. This is an example of conformity due to peer
pressure. The second one I noticed was Dissent. An example is when a group member disagreed
with the majority opinion in the group. This is an example of resistance. “A defensive climate
can emerge from communication aimed at controlling other people by telling them what to do.
