ORGANIZATIONAL POLITICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Figure 1: Office politics and the work environment (Pond, 2019)

Workplace politics is the process and behavior in human interactions involving power and authority. It is also a tool to assess operational capacity and to balance the diverse views of interested parties. It is also known by other names like office politics and organizational politics. It is the use of power and social networks within an organization to effect changes that benefit the organization or the individuals within it. The influence of individuals can serve personal interests regardless of their effect on the organization itself. Some of the personal benefits may include access to tangible assets or intangible benefits such as status or pseudo-authority which influence the behavior of others. On the other hand, organizational policy can increase efficiency, build interpersonal relationships, accelerate change and simultaneously benefit the organization and its members.

Individuals and groups can engage in office politics which can be very destructive, as people focus on personal gain at the expense of the organization. "Selfish political actions can negatively influence our social groupings, cooperation, information sharing and many other organizational functions." Thus, it is essential to pay attention to organizational policy and create the appropriate political landscape. "Politics is the lubricant that lubricates the internal gears of your organization." Office politics has also been described as "just the way power is developed on a practical and daily basis".

Organizational politics are informal, unofficial, and sometimes behind-the-scenes efforts to sell ideas, influence an organization, increase power, or achieve other targeted objectives (Brandon and Seldman, 2004)

Political Tactics

• Attacking or blaming others
• Creating a favorable image
• Developing a base of support
• Consultation
• Exchange
• Coalition
• Pressure

Limiting the effects of political behavior

• Open communication
• Provide sufficient resources
• Introduce clear rules
• Free flowing information
• Measure performance, not personalities
• Remove political Norms
• Hire-Low Politics employee
• Increase opportunity for Dialogue
• Peer Pressure against Politics

In conclusion, organizational politics are a normal part of the workplace. However, it is important that organizations create an environment whereby politics don’t become destructive. This can be achieved through implementing key objectives that create standards within the organization. (Towler, 2019)

Reference

Anon., n.d. Organizational Politics. [Online] Available at: https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_organizational-behavior-v1.1/s17-04-organizational-politics.html [Accessed 9 January 2020].

Brandon, R., & Seldman, M. (2004). Survival of the savvy: High-integrity political tactics for career and company success. New York: Free Press.

Pond, W., 2019. Ignore “Office Politics” at Your Own Peril. [Online] Available at: https://wallacekpond.com/2019/01/11/ignore-office-politics-at-your-own-peril/ [Accessed 9 January 2020].

Towler, A., 2019. Organizational politics: Curse or blessing? [Online] Available at: https://www.ckju.net/en/blog/organizational-politics-curse-or-blessing/20912 [Accessed 9 January 2020].