Powerlessness Corrupts

Rosabeth M. Kanter

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Column | Harvard Business Review | July – August 2010

Powerlessness Corrupts

by Rosabeth M. Kanter

Abstract

Powerlessness damages organizations--especially in the middle ranks, says HBR columnist Rosabeth Moss Kanter. Hemmed in by rules and treated as unimportant, people get even with management by overcontrolling their own turf. Kanter urges leaders to give employees opportunities to make meaningful contributions, because small wins along those lines can propel big changes.

Keywords: Employee Relationship Management; Opportunities; Behavior; Motivation and Incentives; Power and Influence;

Format: Print

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Citation:

Kanter, Rosabeth M. "Powerlessness Corrupts." Harvard Business Review 88, nos. 7-8 (July–August 2010).

About the Author

Rosabeth M. Kanter

Ernest L. Arbuckle Professor of Business Administration

General Management

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Powerlessness Corrupts

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