Status

Definition

Status refers to the relative social or professional position of an individual within a group or organization. It is a measure of an individual's standing, prestige, and importance compared to others, and can be influenced by various factors such as wealth, power, knowledge, or achievements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Status can be ascribed (inherited) or achieved (earned) through one's own efforts and accomplishments.
2. Status can influence an individual's access to resources, decision-making power, and the level of deference and respect they receive from others.
3. Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory suggests that status is a motivating factor, as it satisfies the need for recognition and esteem.
4. Individuals with higher status within an organization are often granted more autonomy, responsibility, and opportunities for advancement.
5. Perceptions of status can be influenced by factors such as appearance, communication style, and perceived competence.

Review Questions

• Explain how status can influence an individual's motivation and job satisfaction within the context of Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory.
  • According to Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Theory, status is considered a motivating factor that can contribute to an individual's job satisfaction. Status satisfies the need for recognition, respect, and esteem, which are important psychological needs. Individuals with higher status within an organization are often granted more autonomy, responsibility, and opportunities for advancement, which can lead to a greater sense of achievement and personal growth. Conversely, a lack of status or perceived low status can be a source of dissatisfaction and demotivation, as it may not fulfill the individual's need for esteem and recognition.
• Describe how an individual's status can impact their access to resources and decision-making power within an organization.
  • An individual's status within an organization can significantly influence their access to resources and decision-making power. Individuals with higher status, such as those in leadership or managerial positions, typically have greater access to information, financial resources, and the ability to influence organizational policies and decisions. This status-based hierarchy can create power dynamics where those with higher status have a greater voice and more control over the allocation of resources. Conversely, individuals with lower status may have limited access to resources and a smaller role in the decision-making process, which can impact their ability to contribute and advance within the organization.
• Analyze how perceptions of an individual's status can be influenced by factors such as appearance, communication style, and perceived competence.
  • Perceptions of an individual's status can be heavily influenced by factors beyond their actual achievements or position within an organization. Attributes like appearance, communication style, and perceived competence can shape how others view an individual's status and relative importance. For example, individuals who present themselves in a confident and articulate manner, or who are perceived as highly competent in their roles, may be accorded higher status by their peers, even if their formal position in the hierarchy is not the highest. Conversely, individuals who do not conform to societal or organizational norms in terms of appearance or communication style may be viewed as having lower status, despite their actual accomplishments or position. These perceptions of status can then influence an individual's access to resources, decision-making power, and overall influence within the organization.

Related terms

Hierarchy:

A system of ranking and organizing individuals or groups based on their status, power, or authority within an organization or society.

Prestige: The respect and admiration that an individual or group receives from others, often based on their achievements, expertise, or social standing.

Esteem Needs:

The need for recognition, respect, and appreciation from others, as described in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.