Transfer of power as a function of direction and mental model : a field experiment
Loading...
Date
2003-03
Authors
Lo, Pei Shih
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The present study examines the transfer of power across two levels of
organization, which are the individual and the group. It examines whether the transfer
of power has taken place from an influential group to a non-influential individual and
from an influential individual to a non-influential group. This study also analyses
whether the perceptions of an insider and outsider will create a gap in the transfer of
power. Some of the critical conditions necessary for power identity and reputation to
be developed and transferred effectively between individuals and groups in
organizations are also described. This experimental study was conducted on a sample
of 227 working executives and managerial personnel from the semiconductor
manufacturing industry in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone in Penang, Malaysia.
The independent variables are direction, which was divided into upward and
downward transfer, and power mental models with two categories: identity and
reputation. The dependent variable is transfer of power. A series of paired-samples t
test was performed to test the four hypotheses for main effects of the power transfer,
from the dimension of direction and mental model. The findings reveal only partial
support for the hypotheses developed and suggest that transfer of power occurs at
relatively smooth levels in both the upward and downward directions from the
reputation and identity perspectives. The findings also suggest that increased
communication between insiders and outsiders as well as promoting team member's
sense of belonging play a significant role in further facilitating the transfer of power.
This study adds to the limited literature of cross-level power transfer between
individual and group, especially in the Malaysian context. The implications of this
study and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
Description
Keywords
Transfer of power