Organizational politics, politicking and practical tips for managing organizational politics

Organizational politics refers to the actions and strategies that individuals and groups within an organization use to gain power and influence over others in order to achieve their own goals and objectives. These actions may be formal or informal, and can include things like building alliances, networking, lobbying, and manipulating information. Organizational politics can take many forms and can be used for both positive and negative purposes.

On the positive side, organizational politics can be used to build support for important initiatives, to promote change, and to advocate for necessary resources. On the negative side, it can be used to advance personal agendas, to undermine others, and to protect one's own power and status at the expense of others. Organizational politics can also be used to influence the allocation of resources, the selection of personnel, and the development of policies and procedures.

It's important to note that Organizational politics is a normal part of organizational life, but can have negative effects on the organization and its employees if it becomes excessive or unethical. Managers and employees should be aware of the potential effects of politics on their organization and take steps to minimize the negative impacts.

Practical Tips for Managing Organizational Politics include:

1. Break existing political fiefdoms: Identify and address existing power cliques or factions within the organization that may be hindering progress or creating negative dynamics. Encourage open communication and collaboration among different departments and teams, and create opportunities for employees to work together on cross-functional projects.
2. Prevent future fiefdoms: Establish clear lines of authority and decision-making processes, and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Communicate the organization's values and mission clearly, and ensure that all employees are aware of the consequences of engaging in unethical or divisive behavior.
3. Encourage transparency and open communication: Promote an open-door policy and encourage employees to share their thoughts and ideas freely. Make sure that all employees have access to the same information and that decisions are made in an open and transparent manner.
4. Reward good behavior: Recognize and reward employees who act in an ethical and transparent manner and who contribute positively to the organization's culture and goals.
5. Promote a culture of accountability: Hold all employees, including managers and leaders, accountable for their actions and decisions, and ensure that they are transparent about the reasoning behind their choices.
6. Foster open lines of communication: Encourage employees to speak up and share their thoughts and ideas openly, and make sure that all employees are aware of the consequences of engaging in unethical or divisive behavior.
7. Encourage employees to think strategically: Encourage employees to think about the big picture and to understand how their work fits into the larger goals of the organization.
8. Encourage collaboration: Promote a culture of collaboration and teamwork, and create opportunities for employees to work together on cross-functional projects.

It's important to note that managing organizational politics is a ongoing process and it requires constant attention, monitoring and adjustment. It's also important to have a clear communication and leadership in the organization to prevent negative consequences of politics.

What is Organizational politicking?

Organizational politicking refers to the use of political strategies and tactics by individuals or groups within an organization to gain power, influence, and resources for themselves or their own interests. Organizational politicking can take many forms, such as building alliances, networking, lobbying, and manipulating information. It can also include behaviors such as backstabbing, gossiping, and undermining others.

Organizational politicking can have both positive and negative effects on an organization. On the positive side, it can be used to build support for important initiatives, to promote change, and to advocate for necessary resources. On the negative side, it can be used to advance personal agendas, to undermine others, and to protect one's own power and status at the expense of others. Organizational politicking can also be used to influence the allocation of resources, the selection of personnel, and the development of policies and procedures.

To prevent negative effects of organizational politicking, it's important to establish a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. Clear lines of authority and decision-making processes, and hold individuals accountable for their actions. Encourage open communication and collaboration among different departments and teams, and create opportunities for employees to work together on cross-functional projects. Also, it's important to recognize and reward employees who act in an ethical and transparent manner and who contribute positively to the organization's culture and goals.