Man : Manoeuvring (Office Politicking)

Office Politicking

Politics is an unavoidable part of human relations, whether in life or in the boardroom.

Humans have assumed roles according to a “pecking order” to boost personal interests at the expense of others. In everyday life, when two or more people are involved, politic is bound to come into play and every organization will inevitability has its share.

As a result of the interpersonal difficulty; politics plays significant roles in human life. This type of disruptive behavior which is often a result of unethical behavior appears to commence in the early childhood. 

Divergently, bullying behavior has long been ignored, accepted and inadvertently encouraged.

a. Hence the workplaces dilemma of “office politics” that many organizations are faced with today 

b. is “synonymous with hypocrisy, secrecy, deal making, rumors, power brokers, self-interest, image building, self promotion and cliques” is always an on-going event. 

c. Problems arise when politicking becomes grossly negative and 

d. overshadows the well-being of the organization as a whole. 

The culture of an organization is often the primary indicator of predictable and conventional employee behavior.

Organizations with 

 i.   weak directives, 

ii.   poor communication, and 

iii. ineffectively managed cultures 

are breeding grounds for negative dysfunctional interpersonal dynamics referred to as “office politics”. 

Considerable time and energy are lost to solving problematic issues, originating from influences of office politics in organizations with weak cultural expectations

Therefore it is expected that developing a positive organizational culture that facilitates certain values is an important steps in eliminating effects of office politics.

Covert Actions

For most people the word “office politics” conjures with the images of manipulations, backstabbing and cronyism. 
Describing office politics as 
     a. the “underworld” of an organization – 
       b. an informal pockets and channels of power, 
    c. a covert power whose sources do not appear on organizational charts. 

The “processes in which individuals or groups within an organization use non- formally sanctioned power tactics to advance their aim”

The players utilize

                   1.    ‘negative politics to get things done at the expense of others;

                   2.    openly embracing a ‘Machiavellian ethic’,

                  3.    seeing the world through a simple-minded dialects between the weak and strong, the smart and stupid,

                 4.    the insider and the outsider”.

 

Political behavior is usually ‘covert” and prone to deception and manipulations under the guise of “open” action performed in the best interest of the organization

Politics is an unavoidable part of human relations, whether in life or in the boardroom.

Humans have assumed roles according to a “pecking order” to boost personal interests at the expense of others. In everyday life, when two or more people are involved, politic is bound to come into play and every organization will inevitability has its share.

As a result of the interpersonal difficulty; politics plays significant roles in human life.         a. This type of disruptive behavior which is often a result of unethical behavior appears to commence in the early childhood. 
b. Divergently, bullying behavior has long been ignored, accepted and inadvertently encouraged.

Hence the workplaces dilemma of “office politics” that many organizations are faced with today is “synonymous with hypocrisy, secrecy, deal making, rumors, power brokers, self-interest, image building, self promotion and cliques” is always an on-going event.

Basis

Office politics refers to tactics employed by individuals or groups to enhance self-interest; these

a.    be reactive (to protect) or

b.    proactive (to promote).

Some of the most common tactics are attacking or blaming others, withholding or distorting information, image building (usurping credit) and forming coalition

Politickings are an inevitable occurrence that manifest whenever two or more people interact, (e.g. human nature).

Political behaviors is a part of the human condition, and “since all companies employ humans, office politics area live well”. It is the workplace that provides the “most fertile breeding ground, because the players seek very similar ends- personal success, professional growth, and financial security

Forms of Conflict

Conflict is defined as

·         “a struggle over values or claims to status,

·         power and scare resources in which

·       claims of the conflicting parties are not only to gain the desired valuable, but also to neutralize, injure, or eliminate their rivals”

It usually takes one of four forms:

(a) individual versus Individuals,

(b) Individual versus group,

(c) Group versus group,

(d) Competition.

The larger and more diverse the group is the more likely the possibility of conflict. Interpersonal conflicts cause of the “worst horror stories about group difficulties: blocking progress and wasting time. The potential for conflict “depends on how incompatible the goals” of those involved and the amount of available share resources

Reason for Political Behavior

            The reason for engaging in negative politics varies depending on intentions of the perpetrator. It can be classified under one of several prevalent, negative variables:

(a)   Limited resources and opportunity for advancement,

(b)   Employees’ emotional insecurity,

(c)   Over competitiveness,

(d)  A win-loss organizational attitude,

(f)   The need for personal acceptance, and

(g)    The most common motivator –self interest

Political games are sparked by survival conditions” caused by fear within the organization. There are many reasons contributing to workplace fear;

   for instance,

      ü  fear of not being considered a team player,

      ü  not fitting in, losing self-esteem,

      ü  missing out on opportunities,

      ü  job loss and loss of creditability and reputation

Characteristic

Politicking in political organizations share common characteristics;

a.    Lack of focus (by management)

b.     Personal interests,

c.     Poor productivity, and

d.    Inadequate recognition and compensation.

However, some characteristics are subtle and less ubiquitous, inferred (implied) rather than explicit (expressed) decisions,

 a.    being crisis oriented,

b.    evading responsibility, and

c.     having many “un-discussable” instead of open and frank communication will  result in “interpersonal enmities and hatred,

d.    unhealthy collusion and interdepartmental conflicts”, prohibiting employees     from  speaking out

Factors

The factor that creates diversity i.e. background, education, age and culture lowers the probability of collaboration because of their differences on values, knowledge, and communication.

This becomes even more probable when one party is clearly superior imposition, pay or seniority. Conflicts are an inevitable phenomenon in human interaction. Common response to conflict is silence, which can result in a “corrosive and harmful environment”

Prevention

Opening the line of communication can prevent conflict. An effective manager can create a more positive work environment by listening and responding to the workers’ concerns

There are three basic interpersonal responses to conflict:

a)    Avoidance (aggressive or passive),

 In its aggressive form, can be used as a means of self benefit at the expense of others

b)    Aggression

Confrontational with little regards for others involved.

c)    Integration

Goal of effective teamwork

Consequences

Corporations that do not have

i.              a clear hierarchical communication flow;

ii.            well defined lines of authority, or

iii.           usually understood goals and objectives

can create uncertainty among their employee.

a.   Stress in the workplace

Office politics were identified as the leading cause of stress in the workplace. Stress, in turn, can cause interpersonal relationships to suffer because of the resulting psychological distress.

Workplace stress is not caused by the actual demands of work but by work environment, and as stated earlier, political workplace is breeding ground for stress. 

The frustration triggered by the interpersonal difficulties of office politics is like an “office cancer “that can eat away at office spirit, decay work relationships, sap motivation, reduce work satisfaction and wreak physical havoc, in the forms of stress and related ailments

b.    Loss of Credibility

Demanding work schedule combined with caustic comments and harassing treatment can be a debilitating and psychological distressing experience. In addition to stress and its related complication, office politics often leads to loss of jobs, reputation, and credibility; in some cases, the damage is too serve to recover

           c.  Loss Manpower Hours and Performance Gap

Being involved in politics requires a lot of “mental and emotional energy” that could best be put into working. It is estimated that employees spend an average of 64 minutes a day engaged in office politics. Donating less time to actually working can lead to financial loses for an organization and translate into lost opportunities for all stakeholder.

Crippling forces of office politics” contributes to an organization’s performance gap (the difference between actual and potential performance) by an increase of about 30%.

            d. Turnover

 “Political issues take a toll on employees’ moral and can ultimately lead to higher staff turnover”. Internal politics also consume a considerable amount of time; executive estimate that approximately nine weeks a year is spent resolving personality conflicts

In addition, office politics inhibits the consistency of profits by undermining the decision making process; corroding trust and pride in work; stifling innovation; driving employee turnover; and distorting communication.

“Positive” Office Politic

Positive politics is an approach that embraces the use of power, in a way buildup others in the process. The positive politician talks up others to their superiors with sincerity. The positive politician negotiates with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to conflict.

The term “office politics” is usually applied in reference to the negative behavior of backbiting and undercutting”. 

On the other hand, management consultants, human resource managers and others increasingly are using it to refer to the many unwritten rules that involve getting along with others, being noticed and appreciated, and following the protocols of the organizational culture.

It’s about understanding the rules and working within them or maximums personal benefit, while following this tips:

(a) Avoid trouble makers

(b) Know and follow the chain of command

(c) Be friendly, but cautious

(d) Don’t gossip

(e) Support your boss

(f) Socialize with co-workers.

Positive politics are thought of as the ethical action taken to garner desired result.

i.     Uniting and Coalition

Office politicians can unite people and inspire them to achieve; positive politics builds coalitions that accomplish organizational, not individual goals.

ii.   Defense

Positive politics can also be interpreted as a means of defense against negative intent and ways of garnering support to accomplish goals. These goals can be attained by developing strong relationships within an organization from senior management down to subordinates.

Good office politics in the grassroots level, the effort needed:

(a) Never publicly criticize your boss or co-worker;

(b) Critique ideas, not people;

(c) Don’t belabor small points, pick battles carefully;

(d) be a good listener, but don’t pass on what you hear, and

(e) Learn to address problems, go directly to the source, don’t be a victim.

Maintaining that openness will increase communication and create a more supportive work environment. The following actions are recommended to accomplish this:

1.  Emphasize integrity: stress ethics and honesty

2. Eliminate office rivalry: encourage collaboration for the good of the organization.

3. Reward team result: give public recognition to group efforts to motivate and inspire, based on performance and contributions.

4. Show empathy: watch for burnout, stress can have many unfavorable results.

5. Use humor: a little humor can ease stress and promote camaraderie.

Excerpt and extract with thanks taken from:

Wikipedia

http://waldenu.academia.edu/AgbenuEstherochoga