Organizational Politics
Organization Politics refers to all behind the scenes efforts aimed at propelling the firm, boost influence or other set goals such they appear in the form of self-driven behaviors in customers’ view for positive publicity (Brandon & Seldman, 2004). It is the process for human interactions that possess influence and authority entailing powerful tactics to improve personal and organization image.
Summary
The study by (landfills & Albrecht, 2017) aims at creating how employees observe organizational politics in the current corporate environment to determine whether it is interpreted from a positive or negative perspective. In the study, organizational politics were ranked into four levels; reactive (destructive & manipulative, reluctant (somewhat evil), essential strategy (strategic), decision making (political). The political behaviors were categorized into further five categories; information, connection, coercive, positional, and personal powers. The study found that traditionally framed negativity of organizational politics needs to be studied and elaborated by embracing a wide range of perspectives. The article emphasizes on intensive qualitative research in definitions, classifications, and behavior complement. The existing conceptualization of organization politics is biased due to the lack of proper considerations of some elements. The article provides a balanced concept as opposed to traditional conceptualizations that interfere with contemporary evaluation and management of organizational politics. Past research focused so much on negative views leaving the gap research, which underscores the need to incorporate positive and behavioral outcomes.
The article relates to organizational politics, especially on the wrong perception and interpretation of corporate politics. Organizational politics is a compound phrase that does not necessarily mean power struggle for limited resources. It is only in the right perception that managers can handle corporate politics and exploit it for the benefits of the entity. Organizational politics can be used as a tool for sharing and influencing ideas to achieve the desired outcome. The consensus is that corporate politics are not evil as existing literature claims but a political tool to find solutions in desperate organizational situations (Hochwalter, 2012). In some instances, rational approaches fail to deliver; thus, the only method is through political procedures. The benefits of politics are apparent, given that in the absence of political knowledge and skill, there is a predictable probability of sinking into bureaucratic infighting.
Organizational politics mostly occur in the business environment with limited resources and have to be distributed to various parties. It occurs when people align themselves to push for resources through approaches such as negotiation, bargaining, and alliance development. It is only successful in business in the presence of a politically skilled workforce. The employees who possess necessary political skills demonstrate the expected level of internal control with adequate awareness that the primary objective is to influence outcomes (Waggoner, 2010). However, the term has always been negatively stereotyped through definitions and classification. Most leaders have found themselves in awkward moments by failing to control and maintain organizational politics. It is a two-sided sword that can cause negative or positive outcomes depending on management. However, for concrete implementation, more research should be conducted to explain organizational behavior on positive and corporate results. The existing literature does not cover its essential parts crucial in the contemporary changing environment that requires skilled politics instead of rational regulations. The fast-changing business environment requires an exceptional level of flexibility that is not possible by strictly adhering to written guidelines. However, the situation can be changing by changing the perception of the term organizational politics.
Brandon, R., & Seldman, M. (2004). Survival of the savvy: High-integrity political tactics for career and company success. Simon and Schuster.
Hochwarter, W. A. (2012). The positive side of organizational politics.
Landells, E. M., & Albrecht, S. L. (2017). The positives and negatives of organizational politics: A qualitative study. Journal of business and psychology, 32(1), 41-58.
Waggoner, D. P. (2020). The use of political skill in organizational change. Journal of Organizational Change Management.