Business Case Studies & Business Publications

What Is Power? Clarifying Concepts and C...

Belmi, Peter, Kemp...

Technical Note

What Is Power? Clarifying Concepts and Controversies

Belmi, Peter; Kemp, Bianca

OB-1498 | Published December 16, 2025 | 9 Pages Technical Note

Collection: Darden School of Business

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Power can be one of the most misunderstood and discomforting topics in organizational life. Yet it shapes every team and institution, and leaders who fail to grasp how it works often misread critical dynamics. This technical note synthesizes five decades of research across social psychology, evolutionary theory, management, and organizational behavior to clarify what power is, how it differs from status, and why the distinction matters. It also explains the origins of hierarchy, delineates the major sources of power in organizations, and examines two fundamental paths to acquiring power and status: dominance strategies and prestige strategies. Through evidence-based insights, this note reveals the benefits, limitations, and trade-offs of each path and shows why the most effective leaders blend both approaches. Designed to help students and practitioners navigate complex organizational landscapes, this note offers a practical framework for recognizing where real power resides—and subsequently acquiring and exercising it more strategically.