MODULE :PUB3704
,PUB3704 Exam Question &
Answer Pack with Study Notes
Contains:
• Exam Questions & Answers
• Exam Study Notes
,ORGANISATIONAL STUDIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - PUB3704 – Exam dated 6 June 2019 Lecturers
Possible exam questions (Tutorial Letter 201/1/2019)
QUESTION 1
Describe the manifestation of authority and power in public institutions.
Make specific reference to the following matters [25]:
(a) The concepts of authority and power: how do these concepts differ? (10)
(b) The principles of using authority. (5)
(c) The basis for the use of power by individuals. (5)
(d) The basis for the use of power by departments or units in public institutions. (5)
(a) The concepts of authority and power: how do these concepts differ? (10)
What is Authority?
Authority is a formal title or position that gives someone the tools to influence other people within their organization.
A person in authority is often powerful, but power is not necessary for authority.
Authority is important for many hierarchical systems and organizations to operate smoothly and quickly.
The control of Authority is delegated to an individual or group.
It is also a right or privilege granted to you, that resides in the post or position.
Authority is technical and static and is illustrates in Organisational Charts and flows downwards.
The Definition of Authority is the rational, formal right to make decisions in order to influence behaviour so that decisions
may be carried out within the relationships created by a formal organisation. This definition implies the following.
Firstly, before authority can be granted to a person, a formal organisation has to exist.
Secondly, the organisational relationships between management and the subordinates should be officially recognised.
What is Power?
Power is a personal trait that affects people at every social level of their lives. Power can be gained through experience and
lost through mistakes and bad behaviour, but people tend to continue becoming more powerful and influential the longer
they work and live. Power is not hierarchical, and can flow in any direction of a relationship.
The control of Power allows influence on others.
Power comes from who you are, because it resides in the person/people who use it.
Power is flexible and dynamic and cannot be accurately illustrated, because it flows in many directions.
Power includes authority.
The Difference between Authority and Power is as follows:
, ORGANISATIONAL STUDIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - PUB3704 – Exam dated 6 June 2019 Lecturers
Possible exam questions (Tutorial Letter 201/1/2019)
QUESTION 1
Describe the manifestation of authority and power in public institutions.
Make specific reference to the following matters [25]:
(b) The principles of using authority. (5)
Also important are the authority of management and staff, the authority granted in specific situations, and operational
authority. The principles of Using authority is as follows:
1. Authority of management
2. Authority of the personnel
3. Authority granted in specific situations
4. Operational authority
(c) The basis for the use of power by individuals. (5)
The Individual basis for the use of power in organisations is in terms of the following:
Rational or legitimate power
Power to grant or refuse benefits to another person
Coercion as a form of power
Referent power
Charismatic power
Power derived from expertise
The individual basis for using power in terms of rational or legitimate power and the power gained by granting or refusing
benefits. In addition, coercion is described as a form of power, referent power and charismatic power.
Finally there is power in terms of substitutability.
(d) The basis for the use of power by departments or units in public institutions. (5)
The Basis for the use of power by departments or units in organisations is in terms of the following:
Power gained through control of resources
Power gained by resolving critical or strategic issues
The Process of Substitution to reduce power (Substitutability)
The locus of power in organisations and
The role of Power and position in the hierarchy
The basis for the use of power by departments or units in organisations is in terms of power gained through control of
resources and power gained by solving critical or strategic issues. The process of substitution to reduce power.
Lastly there is the locus of power in organisations as well as the role of power and position in the hierarchy.
,PUB3704 Exam Question &
Answer Pack with Study Notes
Contains:
• Exam Questions & Answers
• Exam Study Notes
,ORGANISATIONAL STUDIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - PUB3704 – Exam dated 6 June 2019 Lecturers
Possible exam questions (Tutorial Letter 201/1/2019)
QUESTION 1
Describe the manifestation of authority and power in public institutions.
Make specific reference to the following matters [25]:
(a) The concepts of authority and power: how do these concepts differ? (10)
(b) The principles of using authority. (5)
(c) The basis for the use of power by individuals. (5)
(d) The basis for the use of power by departments or units in public institutions. (5)
(a) The concepts of authority and power: how do these concepts differ? (10)
What is Authority?
Authority is a formal title or position that gives someone the tools to influence other people within their organization.
A person in authority is often powerful, but power is not necessary for authority.
Authority is important for many hierarchical systems and organizations to operate smoothly and quickly.
The control of Authority is delegated to an individual or group.
It is also a right or privilege granted to you, that resides in the post or position.
Authority is technical and static and is illustrates in Organisational Charts and flows downwards.
The Definition of Authority is the rational, formal right to make decisions in order to influence behaviour so that decisions
may be carried out within the relationships created by a formal organisation. This definition implies the following.
Firstly, before authority can be granted to a person, a formal organisation has to exist.
Secondly, the organisational relationships between management and the subordinates should be officially recognised.
What is Power?
Power is a personal trait that affects people at every social level of their lives. Power can be gained through experience and
lost through mistakes and bad behaviour, but people tend to continue becoming more powerful and influential the longer
they work and live. Power is not hierarchical, and can flow in any direction of a relationship.
The control of Power allows influence on others.
Power comes from who you are, because it resides in the person/people who use it.
Power is flexible and dynamic and cannot be accurately illustrated, because it flows in many directions.
Power includes authority.
The Difference between Authority and Power is as follows:
, ORGANISATIONAL STUDIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - PUB3704 – Exam dated 6 June 2019 Lecturers
Possible exam questions (Tutorial Letter 201/1/2019)
QUESTION 1
Describe the manifestation of authority and power in public institutions.
Make specific reference to the following matters [25]:
(b) The principles of using authority. (5)
Also important are the authority of management and staff, the authority granted in specific situations, and operational
authority. The principles of Using authority is as follows:
1. Authority of management
2. Authority of the personnel
3. Authority granted in specific situations
4. Operational authority
(c) The basis for the use of power by individuals. (5)
The Individual basis for the use of power in organisations is in terms of the following:
Rational or legitimate power
Power to grant or refuse benefits to another person
Coercion as a form of power
Referent power
Charismatic power
Power derived from expertise
The individual basis for using power in terms of rational or legitimate power and the power gained by granting or refusing
benefits. In addition, coercion is described as a form of power, referent power and charismatic power.
Finally there is power in terms of substitutability.
(d) The basis for the use of power by departments or units in public institutions. (5)
The Basis for the use of power by departments or units in organisations is in terms of the following:
Power gained through control of resources
Power gained by resolving critical or strategic issues
The Process of Substitution to reduce power (Substitutability)
The locus of power in organisations and
The role of Power and position in the hierarchy
The basis for the use of power by departments or units in organisations is in terms of power gained through control of
resources and power gained by solving critical or strategic issues. The process of substitution to reduce power.
Lastly there is the locus of power in organisations as well as the role of power and position in the hierarchy.
