House (1984) defined power as the capacity to produce effects on others. Influence on the other hand can be defined as a “change in a target agent’s attitudes, values, beliefs, or behaviors, as result of influence tactics (Lesson Commentary 7). The influence tactics discussed are a “persons actual behaviors designed to change another person’s attitudes, beliefs, values or behaviors. When thinking of these concepts of how leaders have power and influence with their followers and in different situations, Lebron James is an individual that comes to mind.
Lebron James is an influential individual on and off the basketball court. In a society where a leader is needed, he has stepped up to influence his supporters as well as any individual who will listen to him. Bunn (2020) wrote an article on James about his activism off the court. Firstly, James demonstrates the concept of Expert Power as French and Raven (1959) have determined one of the five ways individuals can influence others. Lebron James has advocated a great amount about racism and discrimination in this country. He used his large social media platform to discuss political and social issues and also helped form the “More Than a Vote” group. As a member of the African American community himself, he is knowledgeable and used his power of knowledge in order to help influence others. In addition, James also demonstrates the concept of Referent Power. James is seen as a role model for many individuals for his passion of basketball as well as his passion for social justice. While he may not personally know every single one of his fans, he is extremely personal on his platforms and understands the importance of connecting with them. Through both of these concepts we are able to identify how power in this case is used for the greater good. Lebron James identified how much his followers looked up to him, and there was a situation where a good leader was needed, he saw this opportunity and used his voice to speak out.
As for influence tactics, these concepts are also important to identify for Lebron James. James uses both Rational Persuasion and Inspirational Appeals to reach out to his followers. One way James uses inspirational appeals is as stated in the article by Bunns (2020) Marilyn Bibby James is “actively listening and offering help.” James uses his emotions and enthusiasm on the topic to reach out to his audience. For these social issues that James advocates for, it is extremely important that he use inspirational appeals. He needs his followers to feel connected to him and want to bring change. In addition, rational persuasion is also used in order to influence his followers. James has used statistics and real-life examples during press conferences to demonstrate is knowledge and logical arguments to influence others. He shows factual evidence to state his perspectives (Lesson Commentary 7)
Overall, Lebron James is a leader who demonstrates power and leadership. He is seen to be one of the greatest NBA players, as well as a very influential man. He has won 4 NBA championships but has also won the heart of many individuals who look up to him. In a time where individuals needed a leader, he stepped up knowing he could risk negative opinions from other individuals on his politic views.
Bunn, Curtis. “How LeBron James Has Become a Leading Voice for Social Justice in a Racially Divided Nation.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 23 June 2020, www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/how-lebron-james-has-become-leading-voice-social-justice-racially-n1231391.
French, J. & Raven, B. H. (1959). The bases of social power. In D. Cartwright (Ed.), Studies of Social Power. Ann Arbor, MI:Institute for Social Research.
House, R. J. (1984). Power in Organizations: A Social Psychological Perspective. Unpublished manuscript, University of Toronto.
Lesson Commentary 7, 2020
Hi. I really enjoyed reading your response. People may find the difference between power and influence to be slightly confusing, so I like how you started your entry with explaining the difference between the two. It is important to recognize the difference so the leadership can be more effective. I also liked how you tied in an example of Lebron James and his role in the topic. James is a leader to his team and to many others, nationally. Having an example that many people know helps the audience further understand the points you were trying to make. Great response, keep up the good work.