Steven Luke describes power as being three-dimensional. The first dimension is issue-based, whereby whoever wins an argument is assumed to have power. This power dimension is exemplified in the case of a parent’s power over his or her kids. The second dimension is the agenda setting, whereby the real power lies with the person who sets the agenda of a particular event. This form of power is for instance portrayed by an individual chairing a meeting. On the other hand, the third dimension of power involves manipulating the view of others by changing what they think they want. In an attempt to expound on the second dimension power, this essay will analyze an article titled, “Authority Versus Power” authored by John Hamerlinck. In the article, the author compares authority and power and reaches a conclusion that authority is subjective and is not always blindly followed. Thus, it is agreed that power is more important than authority (Hamerlinck, 2016). There is rapid information dissemination as the world becomes more digitized. Against this backdrop, therefore, the author argues that managing the second dimension of power has become harder compared to other dimensions of power. Subsequently, controlling communication and setting the agenda has become harder for people seeking power and oversight (Hamerlinck, 2016). On the other hand, the media plays a significant role in setting the agenda at different levels. In this case, it is only after people are made aware of certain events and occurrences that they can form views and discuss those views. It is common for journalists and news reporters to decide the main topics of discussion, which are then taken up by the larger society. Consequently, this power comes with the ability to prevent some issues from being earnestly deliberated. Social media, further, enhances the possibilities for manipulation especially for people seeking to control power. As a result, propaganda may drive all media platforms, and the real issues are distorted by individuals whose agenda is neither to be fair nor balanced. Real options and choices are only available when people have access to the right information (Hamerlinck, 2016). In past class discussions, the emphasis was placed on access to useful information as being a core tenet of making informed decisions. Access to the right information allows actors to respond in a foreseeable way and control over people becomes impossible. This is because a set of systems creates a way of ordering the world, which impedes the probability of occurrence of certain situations and enables others. Moreover, structures constitute an integral bias that orders the society. For instance, an election categorizes people into a political structure such that those who attain the most votes win, while those with fewer votes lose. In government operations, agenda setting is seen in decisions that are reached behind closed doors. The outcome is considered a guarded secret where it is not clear who is making the decision. In some instances, following a closed-door meeting, a general statement is issued to the public. This is a report that has undergone scrutiny to ensure that the public is fed with what the government considers necessary. Most often, problems arise once people suspect that they have been misinformed due to overriding political agendas and personal gain (Hamerlinck, 2016). In conclusion, the role of the second dimension power in the functioning of various aspects of the society cannot be overstated.
References
Hamerlinck, J. (2016). Authority versus power. Leading differently. Retrieved from https://leadingdifferently.com/2015/01/04/authority-versus-power/
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