-
Outside of the specified job requirements
-
Requires attempt to use power bases
-
Includes efforts to influence the goals, criteria, or processes used for decision
making
-
Including:
o
Withholding key information from decision makers
o
Joining a coalition
o
whistleblowing
o
spreading rumors
o
leaking confidential information
o
exchanging favors with other in the org for mutual benefit
o
lobbying on behalf of or against a particular individual or decision alternative
Reality of Politics
Managers show that most believe political behavior is a major part of org life and report some
use of it both ethical and necessary, as long as it doesn’t directly harm anyone.
It is a
necessary evil and necessary to get things done.
There is no real training in its effective usage.
Orgs are made up of individuals and groups with different values, goals and interests which
breed potential for conflict over allocation of limited resources forcing competition among
members.
The most important factor leading to politics within org is the realization that most of
the “facts” used to allocate the limited resources are open to interpretation.
It is this large and
ambiguous middle ground of org life – where the facts
don’t
speak for themselves that politics
flourish.
Because decisions have to be made in a climate of ambiguity people within org will use
whatever influence they can to taint the facts to support their goals and interests.
This creates
the activities we all
politicking
.
“Organizational Politics” vs. “Effective Management”
Political
Effect Management
1.
Blaming others
vs.
Fixing responsibility
2.
“Kissing up”
vs.
Developing working relationships
3.
Apple polishing
vs.
Demonstrating loyalty
4.
Passing the buck
vs.
Delegating authority
5.
Covering your rear
vs.
Documenting decisions
6.
Creating conflict
vs.
Encouraging change and innovation
7.
Forming coalitions
vs.
Facilitating teamwork
8.
Whistle-blowing
vs.
Improving efficiency
9.
Scheming
vs.
Planning ahead
10. Overachieving
vs.
Competent and capable
11. Ambitious
vs.
Career minded
12. Opportunistic
vs.
Astute
13. Cunning
vs.
Practical minded
14. Arrogant
vs.
Confident
15. Perfectionist
vs.
Attentive to details
Causes & Consequences of Political Behavior
Individual Factors – at the individual level, certain personality traits, needs, and other factors
likely to be related to political behavior:
-
High self-monitors
o
More sensitive to social cues,
o
Exhibits higher levels of social conformity
o
Is more likely to be skilled in political behavior than the low self-monitor
-
Possess an internal locus of control
o
Believe they can control their environment are more prone to take a proactive
stance and attempt to manipulate situations in their favor – Machiavellian
personality – comfortable using politics as a means to further self-interest
-
Have a high need for power
o
Expectations of success influences the degree to which they will pursue
illegitimate means of political action.
