The Art of Saying No: Linking Power to Culture

Abstract

This paper applies a micro-political perspective in examining how the art of saying no — that is, refusing requests — is not only a form of socialization and acculturation but also serves to reinforce the distribution of power and authority as a shared social fact. The delivery of bad news from superiors to subordinates becomes a forum for articulating organizational values. Critical incidents of 'refusal ritual' tactics collected from a three-nation sample of lower level participants are categorized and illustrated. Some difficulties in managing the compliance of employees after the refusal are noted, as well as organizational mechanisms for discouraging requests.

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