The political model of power in organizations

This thesis is based on the idea that the understanding of power in organizations is enhanced by simultaneously considering the level of the individual, the organization and society. The discussion focuses on two contemporary but fundamentally different models of power. By comparing the models in terms of their levels of analysis insights are gained about the nature of their differences. Based on Habermas' theory of cognitive insterest a framework is proposed in which both models may be incorporated. In is further suggested that a third model is necessary to obtain a total view of the phenomenon of power in organizations.Business, Sauder School ofGraduat