Session 3 - Power, Skills and Motivation

Power may be diffused or concentrated in the hands of a few. Some people may hold the keys to control others what Machiavelli terms “political skill” but may not choose to exercise this power or may exercise it quite less than others. Why?

This, according to Dahl may be because of different motivations and different skill sets.

As noted earlier, certain skill sets allow one to either enhance ones power or to be indifferent to it, given the same resources. However, I feel this active skill set that Dahl employs largely overlaps with an individuals personality. Certain personalities such as assertive and extroverts are more likely than introverts and quiet personalities to indulge in activities that require a show of power. Similarly, a certain personality of individuals may desire or be more motivated to gain access to power.This is not to say that exercising power cannot be strategic (and therefore learned) but that in order for an individual to strive to enhance ones power, he must first possess certain qualities inherent in his personality. Only then will the drive to power push him to further pursue his mission of enhancing it.