Absolute power Quote by Rosabeth Moss Kanter
“Powerlessness corrupts: absolute powerlessness corrupts absolutely.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Power and Politics in Organizations, 1977
Lack of power leads to corruption; absolute powerlessness is especially corrupting.
In simple terms: Powerlessness breeds corruption.
Key Takeaway
Empower individuals responsibly.
Themes
power
corruption
organization
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
organizational
ethical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- community groups
- political movements
Key Concepts
leadership ethics
structural analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How can power be checked?
- What safeguards prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
Power can also be misused positively.
![“As Israel made the wants of his national existence the law of the world, as under the dominance of these wants he deified even his political vindictiveness; so the Christian made the requirements of human feeling the absolute powers and laws of the world. [T]hat is, indeed, only of man considered…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dd1/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_abrahamism_as-israel-made-the-wants-of-his-national_31284.jpg)
