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Power

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Abstract

An understanding of power relationships between the firm and external groupings, and power relationships within the firm’s structure can help us to explain many aspects of strategic decision-making, and the implementation of these decisions. An insight into power structures is particularly helpful in explaining decisions and behaviours that, on the face of it, seem irrational. The chapter is divided into two parts. First, we will be exploring the power relationships between the firm and external actors such as owners, customers, suppliers and other groups in the wider society. Second, we will examine power relationships within the firm, seeking explanations as to why certain groups seem to wield more power than others, why people resort to ‘political’ activity, how power effects strategic decision-making and how power and structure are related.

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© 1987 Cliff Bowman and David Asch

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Bowman, C., Asch, D. (1987). Power. In: Strategic Management. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-18702-7_13

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