Management Influence Processes

Abstract

The main attribute of the leader is his/her ability to influence other people, particularly employees. This concept is discussed in line with the methods of influence processes that the leader uses to gain the needed result. This paper discusses the influence processes in terms of unique leadership styles of Steve Jobs, Andrea Jung, and Abraham Lincoln.

Keywords: management influence processes, direct decisions, role models

Management Influence Processes

Social connections established in society are created by the influence of one people on the other. It is confirmed by the concept of influence processes. This approach concerns the use of the power of influence with the aim to change peoples attitudes, values, and behavior in order to achieve a certain goal (Frost & Moussavi, 2011). This concept clearly demonstrates the phenomenon of leadership. The processes of influence are needed when ones behavior and individual motifs do not coincide with the conceptual standing. In this case, a management system has to apply influence to liquidate this dissonance. Such method is integral part of manifestation of leadership. In the company, it can be implemented within several parameters: direct decisions, ability to allocate resources, use of a reward system, selection and promotion of other leaders, and the presentation of role modeling. Managers use these tools to perform their functions and influence subordinates.

The influence processes mentioned above are directions in which a leader acts in order to correct and use the efforts of his/her followers and employees rationally. The leader represents his/her direct decisions through formulating and delivering the mission and the main goals of an organization to the subordinate people. Another process of influence on ones activities is the allocation of resources. This task of the leader is associated with the impact on people and is the same as the management of the organizational structure that helps achieve set goals successfully. If any difficulties appear, the leader is authorized to distribute productive forces to replenish and restore the balance and the performance of the organization and its entities. These activities are focused on the rational and efficient allocation of resources of the company. The reward system is used by the leader as an opportunity to influence a potential increase in the labor productivity of subordinates or followers. The methods of material and non-material motivation, as well as the compensation for accomplished work and the bonuses policy, are tools of the leader that affect social and economic needs and behavior of the subordinates. By rewarding people for the achieved results, the leader influences their willingness to work with the same or greater dynamic. Being a leader, the person tries to discover and encourage the leadership traits of his or her subordinates and followers. In this way, he or she can promote their career and personal growth, as potential leaders can support innovation activities in the organization. It should be noted that the leader is a role model, as he/she should have a number of positive characteristics. The freewill adherence to the leadership model is the evidence of his/her influence aimed to change the performance and behavior of workers.

Furthermore, it is essential to assess the practical implementation of the influence processes and leadership styles and their situational application. Steve Jobs, Andrea Jung, and Abraham Lincoln are analyzed as leaders carrying out the processes of influence on their subordinates and ordinary people who simply knew them.

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The management style of these people had a revolutionary and innovative character. It does not only concern numerous successful results, but also the concept of working with like-minded people. The merit of the leaders lies on the base of a successful labor management system. Inspiring workers by their desire to achieve success, satisfy and surprise people with new technologies or reforms, these leaders had their own leadership vision of working with people and subordinates. They provided an opportunity for each employee to participate in the creation and implementation of new ideas, motivated them to achieve mutual success, and implanted the leadership qualities in all persons who had worked with them. Attention should be paid to the way in which leadership contributes to changes. Table 1 contains examples of the processes of the leadership influence on different persons.

Table 1

The Analysis of the Influence Processes of the Leaders

Influence Method	Steve Jobs (the cofounder and the CEO of the Apple Inc. Company, 1998-2011)	Andrea Jung (the CEO of Avon Products Inc., 1999-2011)	Abraham Lincoln (the President of the USA, 1861-865)
Direct decisions	Direct decisions and social responsibility of employees are ensured by a simple matrix of the organizational structure with a minimal hierarchy. Due to this, the influence of the leader was addressed directly to the employee, increasing his or her labor productivity and strengthening interpersonal relationships.	Direct decisions were aimed at changing the vector of staff activities and prioritizing sales, especially via the Internet. This leader simplified the organizational structure and reduced the amount of the top-level management.	Efforts and direct decisions were aimed at achieving the humane goals of the whole country to maintain its unity, abolish slavery, ensure the rights and the land for the poor segment of society, establish educational colleges, and construct infrastructure and other necessary elements of the USA development.
Allocation of resources	The influence of the leader on the use of information and the human, technical, and technological resources was based on the need to provide innovative products to consumers. The exchange of professional experience and the change in the distribution of functional responsibilities were practiced.	Changes in the allocation of resources related to directing financial resources to scientific development of new products. The target audience of consumers was emphasized, and the impact on this segment was enhanced.	It was accomplished by the appropriate sequential Acts. Due to great organizational skills, A. Lincoln was successful in commandeering during the Civil War. This person has constructed the program of the U.S. development and the improvement of education, which required the necessary resources involvement and allocation.
Reward system	The employees rewarding was started with direct gratitude words of Steve Jobs concerning business success. He addressed them to the employees, what was especially valuable for them. Among the influence processes, there are support of career advancement, participation in the management of the company, and gifts for employees.	The increasing of sales generated an additional remuneration of the staff with travel possibilities.	The reward system was based on the division of the common management of socio-economic reforms and was emphasized by the general sense of belonging to great changes in the country.
Selection and promotion of other leaders	Jobs enabled further career growth of the employees, rewarding their creativity, as well as risks and leadership qualities. This leader stimulated the manifestation of leadership qualities of every professional of the company.	Increasing the percentage of women employed by the company, the leader stimulated their career advancement within the company framework.	This leader was surrounded by his supporters and followers, who were in turn provided with his support and attention. For successful military decoupling, this person encouraged the initiatives of officers (e.g., J. Hooker).
Role modeling	Jobs is described as a distant leader, causing the growing interest in his eccentricity, charisma, and uniqueness. The success of his business moves has influenced many competitors and inspired many followers and employees. Particularly, his motivated speech to school graduates should be noted, as it also represents an inspiration and influence on people.	The cardinality of entrepreneurial actions, sharp marketing flair and leadership skills have shaped the image of a female CEO. It motivates women to occupy high executive positions.	This historical figure showed a great strength of leadership. To this day, the intentions, actions, and contribution to the U.S. development define this person as a worthy instance of a democratic politician and the leader of his country.

To conclude, the changes made by the leaders in the activities of their employees, consumers or simply citizens of the country concerned the development and achievement of welfare. Regarding the leadership qualities, these persons are well-known in many countries, being perceived as role models and examples of inspiration.

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