While difficult to do, if top leaders would only point out the destructive tendencies of abrasive behavior and teach their subordinate leaders that such behaviors will not be tolerated, improvement might occur. In summary, the literature on power reveals how leaders gain and use power in ethical ways within the context of organization. Leaders who work to increase their personal power, persuasiveness, and expertise will enhance their effectiveness. If leaders exercise authority over others with sensitivity, avoid dominating or threatening them, and rely on their expertise and personality to influence them, they can enhance their effectiveness. Effective leaders do not engage in unethical conduct nor display the characteristics associated with an abrasive personality, which would cause them to under-utilize the talents of their employees.
Effective leaders increase their personal power by empowering others in the organization.
Power and conflict in the university . Reframing organizations . Power outside organizational paradigms. Lessons from community partnerships . Some observations of successful leaders, and their use of power and authority .