Robinson's Podcast 268 - Jeffrey Pfeffer: Power, Influence, and the Psychology of Institutions
30 snips
Jan 18, 2026 
Jeffrey Pfeffer, a renowned organizational behavior scholar at Stanford, dives deep into the dynamics of power and influence. He explores the complexities of self-interest in organizations, revealing how it often drives behavior more than altruism. Pfeffer discusses moral rationalization, particularly in toxic workplaces, and critiques the U.S. healthcare system's inefficiencies. Using vivid examples, he explains the personal costs leaders face in their pursuit of power and challenges the notion of conspiracies, advocating for simpler explanations of social dynamics.
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Organizational Behavior Is A Multi-Disciplinary Science
- Organizational behavior combines sociology, social psychology, political science, and anthropology to explain behavior inside organizations.
- Understanding individual and social dynamics is necessary before prescribing how organizations should change.
Social Influence And Self-Enhancement Drive Behavior
- Social influence and self-enhancement are simple, powerful forces shaping behavior in organizations.
- Choose your environments carefully because behavior, habits, and values diffuse through social networks.
Look First At Interests And Role Expectations
- Identify what is in people's self-interest and the role-based expectations that guide their actions.
- Examine titles, norms, and role pressures because they shape behavior more than abstract ideals.
