As organizations rely increasingly on knowledge rather than on machines and physical resources as the means of production,employees:
A) are gaining expert power in the workplace.
B) are losing any power in the labour market.
C) are gaining more referent power in the workplace.
D) are becoming more tolerant of their boss's legitimate power.
E) are becoming less willing to use organizational politics to get their way.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As organizations rely more on knowledge, employees who possess specialized knowledge and skills gain expert power in the workplace. This power allows them to influence decisions and outcomes related to their area of expertise, making them more valuable to the organization. Therefore, employees are gaining expert power in the workplace. Option B is incorrect as employees are not losing power in the labor market. Option C is incorrect as referent power is based on personal characteristics that make an individual appealing to others and is not directly related to knowledge-based power. Option D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that employees are becoming more or less tolerant of their boss's legitimate power. Option E is also incorrect as the increased reliance on knowledge-based resources may, in fact, lead to more organizational politics and competition for access to and control over these resources.

As Organizations Rely Increasingly on Knowledge Rather Than on Machines