# The Power of Perception By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-12-08 Power comes in various forms. Strength is likely the most obvious manifestation of power. However, there are other forms of power, each worthy of appreciation. To name a few, there are the powers of persuasion, creation, and perseverance. Among the various forms of power is perception. The power of perception is foundational to critique. For this reason, the power of perception is shared frequently between organizational analysts and academics. Both professions make use of perception to critique existing structures of power. Analysts and academics often lament the degree to which their respective professions are marginalized. Both groups tend to think that their skill should be more highly valued within society. For those infused with the power of perception and zeal for its application, that some don’t welcome its insight is incomprehensible. The value of an increasingly accurate understanding, for analysts and academics, is obvious to the point of being axiomatic. Contrary to this view is the view that the power of perception is the greatest risk to established power. Seeing things as they are exposes those in power. When the basis of power is primarily chance, or worse delegitimate, the power of perception can identify and expose these deficiencies. This is one reason that following coups there is often a purge of academics. Analysts and academics share the power of perception. When focused on structures of power, these insights can assist as society determines what is legitimate. This can occur at the national or organizational level. Each application of the power of perception through critique poses a risk of sustaining the basis for illegitimate coercion. #### Related Items [[Power]] [[Critique]] [[Analytics]] [[Perception]] [[Society]] [[Organizational Analytics]]