The quest for power in effective leadership.

Abstract

This research paper reviews our knowledge of power to date and places it into several conceptual categories by providing tentative answers to the following three -- questions: 1. Why are the dynamics of power necessarily an important part of managerial processes? 2. How do effective commanders acquire power? 3. How and for what purposes do effective commanders use power? The following are the key conclusions drawn from this literature review: 1. Commanders are dependent on subordinates and others to accomplish their tasks, and power is the fuel that generates their results. 2. Effective commanders are very sensitive to developing all their sources of power. 3. They use their power for the good of the whole organization rather than for personal aggrandizement.