Application To Chapter Concepts - John Lasseter

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Application to Chapter Theory/Concepts The case of John Lasseter provides an image into two types of interpersonal power First, the coercive power of the executive that did not like John Lasseter. Nelson and Quick (2011) define coercive power as “based on an agent’s ability to cause an unpleasant experience for a target” (p. 369). This is evidenced by the executive’s power to fire Lasseter due to his dislike and prejudice of his ideas. Secondly, the expert power of John Lasseter himself, towards the end of the study. Chapter 11 defines expert power which “exists when an agent has specialized knowledge or skills that the target needs” (p. 369). In this case, Lasseter’s gaining of the overall control over the animation rights of both Pixar and Disney. According to Nelson and Quick (2011), “power-related behavior that treats one party arbitrarily or benefits one party at the expense of another is unethical” (p. 372). The firing of John Lasseter from Disney Studios, along with the events leading up to his dismissal does not demonstrate the ethical use of power. The unnamed executive used his position in order to strengthen his employment status when he was not as talented as Lasseter. The two faces of power appear in this situation as well. Personal power is described as power that is used for personal gain (Nelson & Quick, 2011). In this case, the unnamed superior, who wanted to save his position with Disney, ensured that John Lasseter would be fired from Disney. The other face of power, social power, defined to motivate or accomplish goals appears in John Lasseter upon his rise to power at the Disney animation studios in order to succeed and bring back the brilliance of Disney

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