“Influence is the process of influencing another person's thoughts, behavior, or feelings” (Nelson, 2013, p. 184). The type of influence a person can use might depend on their age and maturity level. There are eight different influence tactics: pressure, upward appeals, exchange, coalition, flattery, rational persuasion, inspirational appeals, and consultation. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between age and influence tactics. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This is the age when most people enter the workforce. They are not fully mature and are not yet sure where they want to go early in life. Early adulthood will include the age range of 17 to 40 years. the beginner stage, and the last stage of early adulthood is called the stabilization period (34-39)” (Lewis, 2014, p. 2149 – 2150). In early adulthood, most individuals have stabilized in the position they hope to achieve. Individuals in the novice stage are less committed to their work and less satisfied with their work. They haven't decided what they want to do in life and are still forming dreams, relationships and a family. These individuals typically don't respond to influence tactics, such as performance reviews and promotions, because they don't want to stay in that job long-term. When individuals reach the stabilization stage, they strive for progress and reputation. They strive for promotions and are less likely to leave the organization. They are likely to use impression management tactics to feel a need for power. “The midlife transition (40-45) is the first phase of middle adulthood and is a huge turning point in an individual's life” (Lewis, 2014, p. .2152). These individuals have somewhat dampened their desire to succeed. They change their focus to family rather than work. “Employees going through the midlife transition and entering the midlife stage of adulthood often find it helpful to reduce their competitive rivalry and, instead, support the development of others” (Lewis, 2014, p. 2152). They are more likely to help others and pass on their knowledge to others. This is the last transition that is discussed because most people are looking for retirement around this time or shortly after. At this age, people begin to care less about what others think and more about forming their own opinions. They have strong ideas about politics, business, religion, art and science. “Although tactics can be used to combat the negative consequences of age discrimination, for the most part, individuals in the latter part of middle adulthood now become receivers rather than senders of influence tactics” (Lewis, 2014, p. 2153). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay From the article, I learned that age and how an individual can be influenced is a big relationship. Younger individuals in the workplace are not easily influenced because they don't care much about promotions, but the amount of individual influence and caring increases with advancing age. From Chapter 11 I learned that there are many sources of power in the workplace. However, not all power one can experience is positive. Some individuals may allow power to come to them and use it forcefully. However, there is a way to use power ethically.
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