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Introduction
Introduction
American Steel Co. is experiencing some difficulties around their bill of materials (BOM). It is frequently inaccurate or incomplete which leads to a number of problems in their company. Half of the problem comes from how it is impacting the company through increased expenses and delays. The other half however has to do with communication between coworkers in the company.
Problem
Problem
Angela and Lisa are not using the correct base of power. They are trying to use an Expert or Informational approach, however, they do not have the Legitimate base of power to begin with so their coworkers are not respecting their attempted authority.
Solutions
Solutions
Angela and Lisa could go about solving this issue in a number of ways including:
Involving Monte since he is the CEO other apeople will be more likely to respect what he has to say do to the legitimate power base
Send out an email relying on rational persuasion by presenting the facts on why what they are currently doing isn't working and how they could fix it.
Another idea could be to implement a punishment for problems occurring also known as coercive power. This is not an ideal solution but if nothing else works this may be what they have to turn to.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Angela and Lisa’s efforts are falling short because they lack legitimate power. To move forward, they should involve Monte to give their plan authority and use rational persuasion and consultation to gain buy-in. The error checklist and tracking spreadsheet can help increase accountability. If needed, limited coercive power may be used to enforce change. Using the right power bases will make their solution more effective and sustainable.
Definitions
Definitions
Rational Persuasion: Using logic, facts, and data to show why a solution is necessary and beneficial.
Legitimacy: Relying on policies or authority to enforce compliance with new processes.
Consultation: Involving employees in decision-making to increase buy-in and motivation.
Expert Power: Associated with knowledge and skill. People who possess this type of power are sought after; they have power over others because they have a resource (a specialized skill) that others need to achieve their goals.
Informational Power: Based on having information that others don't have; this power may be only temporary as once the information is shared, the power is lost.
Legitimate Power: Based on a position or role in an organization.
Coercive Power: Describes a manager's ability to punish through dismissal, suspension, demotion, or other means.
This text was refined with OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT ( March 25th version) [Large language model]. Used for academic project assistance in accordance with WSB AI Syllabus Guidelines. Available at: https://chat.openai.com/chat.
This explanation was refined using concepts from Organizational Behavior in Practice (Andrade, 2020).
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