Role of information in creation of authority, power and influence in social units

Anja Verstovšek (2009) Role of information in creation of authority, power and influence in social units. EngD thesis.

PDF Download (2637Kb)

Abstract

Nowadays only a few firms (and also other types of social units) succeed at making business without contemporary information technologies. Therefore, information carry a great importance so much in business world as well as in everyday’s life. Faced with a large amount of information it is important to realize that their uncontrolled use may lead to their misuse and manipulation. In this thesis I examine how information affect the design and establishment of authority, power and influence in social units – organizations. The purpose of the thesis is to recognize if and how managers (can) use or misuse available information in the decision-making process and to determine the impact of information manipulation on the creation of their authority, power and influence. In the theoretical part of the thesis I presented the data and information as an important element in the decision-making process, the decision making process itself and the internal organizational structures. Among them I emphasized communication and coordination structure because I believe they are the most important in management and that through them the execution and strengthening of authority, power and influence of individuals can be seen. I also defined the concepts of authority, power and influence and examined information and information systems and their impact on power, strength and influence of managers. In the practical part of the thesis I dealt with the results of a questionnaire and an interview. With the results of the survey and the interview I try to ascertain the extent of awareness of the restriction of access to information in the firms which is reduced with the aim to provide limited and safe job performance of the employees and the extent of awareness of application of the authority, power and influence on employees.

Actions (login required)