INTRODUCTION
Many times I ask my friends about what is going on in their respective offices and what I get is “SAB”, please forget that office, “we just de”, I don’t want to be part of that office politics”.
Also, in the course of my training and consultancy outings, I have come across several participants that are frustrated by the politics going on in their offices. Some have even given up, all they want to do is throw in the towel by the end of the year, some have resigned to fate, even when there are openings for higher positions, they just refuse to apply because, to them, they wouldn’t be considered, while many people fill the appraisal forms to satisfy that aspect of organisational rituals, not because they are actually expecting anything positive and true to their thinking, most times, nothing comes out because as a man thinks, so he is.
When they approach me and relay their frustrations, I get worried and I ask “if you leave your present organization all because you couldn’t cope with the politics, where you are planning to go, are you sure the place is devoid of politics? I made my participants understand that politics is everywhere, at home, in the church/mosque, among friends, in the office, etc, as long as two or more people are involved, there is an element of politics.
If you so hate politics just like problem avoid people, places, power, position, promotion. Be on your own, don’t interact/relate and/or communicate with any human being at all because the more the people you relate with, the more the politics also the more the problem.
Since it is practically impossible to be on your own, then, politics and problems must be managed. Let’s get these facts about organizational politics;
Politics is an important aspect of the practical life in a work place.
Man is a political animal
Politics deals with concepts and theories of how people are governed.
Organisation is an entity or platform that brings people together to produce goods or services or to enhance the welfare of members.
Organisations are made up of people (mankind) hence they must be recognised as entities of political and other activities.
All organisations thrive on one form of political activities or the other and are shaped by those who compose it either as individuals or groups.
NATURE OF AN ORGANISATION
• Have purpose – with set goals and objectives
• Platform for social interaction
• Political in nature
• Operate as a system
POLITICS DEFINED
• Skilful use of power by people.
• Ability to affect people’s behaviour – the way they think and feel.
• Ability to affect people in such a way that you can have control over them.
There is always some form of politics going on in the organisation in which we operate at every particular time. It is up to the organisation members to be conscious of it and react accordingly or close their eyes to it and be affected either positively or negatively.
ELEMENTS OF AN ORGANISATION AND HOW THEY INFLUENCE BEHAVIOUR
1. People (Individual and group) – Kind of people in organisation –
• The aggressor” or “top dogs”
• The “submissive” and “passive”
• The “middle – roaders” (courteous and considerate).
2. Structure
3. Systems
WHY ORGANISATIONAL POLITICS?
Understanding and managing power, politics and conflicts is an integral part of a manager’s job. Organisations are composed of people who come together to achieve their common goals. When resources are scarce, people and groups have to compete for them and some achieve their goals while others do not. Some of the reasons for organisational politics include:
• Struggle for Resources
• Personal Conflicts
• Competition for Power and Leadership
• Tactical Influence executed by individuals’ and groups to retain power, building personal structure, controlling access to information, building coalitions etc…
HOW TO MANAGE ORGANISATIONAL POLITICS
1. Conduct personal “SWOT” Analysis.
2. Understand what it takes to win at management
3. Navigate organizational politics
4. Know the politics of teams. Etc
CAN ORGANIZATIONAL POLITICS BE AVOIDED?
NO. The only way is to be on your own, just avoid people, don’t interact/relate and/or communicate with any human being at all because the more the people you relate with, the more the politics also the more the problem. Even at that, you become a prey easily. Therefore, since, it is practically impossible to be on your own, then, politics and problems must be managed.
Sunday Ade Bello is a multi-talented, analytical and highly qualified Management Trainer, Inspired Writer, Examiner and Education Specialist. He is the CEO of WorkLife Training Professionals, Lagos. (sab@worklifeprofessionals.com)
