Organizational Power and Politics-UGC NET Commerce Notes & Material

A political pyramid is said to exist when there exists competition of individuals for power within an economy of scarcity. Simply put, individuals cannot acquire their desired power on demand. Organizational power and politics are a stretch of debate. It deals with a specific form of authority, and it deals with its proper distribution as well. This power doesn't always belong only to the bosses or those in high-ranking positions. It can also be held by someone with unique skills or knowledge that others rely on, like the tech guru who saves your day when your computer crashes.

Organizational power and politics are vital parts of the UGC-NET Commerce Examination, and it is an exciting topic to study.

In this article, we will study about the following:

• Organizational Power and Politics-Introduction
• Importance of Power and Politics in Organizational Behavior
• Difference Between Power and Politics in Organizational Behavior
• Effects of Organizational Power and Politics

Organizational Power and Politics-Introduction

Organizational power refers to who controls or influences a group or company. It can be achieved through holding key knowledge or holding a high rank. Politics in an organization simply means the manner in which people use their power to achieve certain things. There are people who use power for the good of others, while others may use it for themselves. Politics can be good if it achieves the goals of the group. But it can also create problems when people try to take advantage of others. Power and politics are helpful in understanding how to work better with others. It is essential to use power in a fair and respectful manner.

Importance of Power and Politics in Organizational Behavior

Power and politics are the keys to how people relate to each other in a group. They determine decisions and the way tasks are done in an organization. If understood, it helps people work better and avoid problems.

Influence on Decision-Making

Power and politics influence the way decisions are made in an organization. Those who have power can determine what is chosen. For instance, a manager may decide which project to focus on. Sometimes, politics come into play when people try to persuade others to accept their ideas. If the right people agree, the decision may change. Fair decision-making is important so that everyone feels heard and respected.

Shaping Relationships

Power and politics also help in forming individuals' relationships with others. People holding more power can establish strong ties with people. These connections can help individuals achieve their goals more easily. However, politics can become a problem if more powerful people use power in a wrong manner. For instance, if someone tries to dominate others or claim others' work, then it leads to issues. Good relationships are based on trust and respect rather than power.

Motivation and Rewards Creation

Power can also influence how motivation and rewards take place in an organization. Individuals with power can determine who will be promoted or receive a salary increase. In some cases, they reward individuals who are propping them or their ideas. Politics can also occur when individuals are trying to present themselves favorably. This may encourage other people to work harder in the hope of getting noticed. Equal rewards ensure that everyone remains motivated and content in their work.

Managing Conflicts

Using powers and politics help manage or develop conflicts in any group. Influential people often have the resources to solve certain problems very speedily. People with influence tend to ensure their followers work out things together in unison; however, applying power un-righteously triggers conflicts. Using politics might not make one's voice heard to others. Hence, one will have to dissolve conflicts through mutual fairness and every person's expression.

Create a Positive Work Environment

Positive uses of power and politics can create a good work environment. Leaders who actually use their authority to help others can inspire teamwork. Fairness and respect make people feel safe and valued. People will probably work well together if there is trust. Good communication also helps in creating a positive environment. A positive, lively atmosphere evokes people to give their best performance.

Difference Between Power and Politics in Organizational Behavior

Both power and politics play a critical role in how people do things to work well in organizations. Power relates to control and influence, while politics relates to how people use power to achieve anything they want. Both operate to affect decisions, relationships, and how tasks are done.

Effects of Organizational Power and Politics

Organizational power and politics have different effects on a group or company. They can make things easy or bring about problems. It is helpful to know these effects to work better together.

Positive Effects on Decision-Making

If power is exercised positively, it allows for quicker and effective decisions. People in positions of authority can lead others and ensure the making of decisions is in-line with the goals of the company. This will enable the organization to stay on course and continue moving. Politics, when applied correctly, can unite people towards a good cause. If everyone is working together, the decisions they make can become more effective. Fairness while making decisions can mean a better result for the entire team.

Detrimental Effects on Relationships

Power and politics can be injurious to relationships with others. People feel neglected or unvalued when others exploit power unfairly. It causes jealousy and frustration. Politics can turn good teamwork into a competition kind of relationship between two people. When trust is broken, it gets tougher for the team to cooperate. Progress becomes slow, and the working ambiance gets destroyed by such negative effects on relationships.

Motivation and Job Satisfaction

Power politics affect motivation level and job satisfaction of individuals on the job. People feel appreciative and give in to an effort if work is appreciated. Power can adversely be used where it becomes injustice and politics prevails. Through such situations people become unvalued, result in low motivation, and below average performance of job. Employees who feel valued will be more motivated to do their best. Using power fairly and creating a positive atmosphere can make people feel good about their work. 

Creating Conflicts

Conflicts in the workplace can be caused by power and politics. When people compete for power, there is a great chance of disagreements. This leads to confusion and stops much-needed work from being accomplished. The environment becomes negative when people use politics to manipulate others. Conflicts can affect the global mood of the team. If done carefully, managing power and politics will help stop conflicts and encourage teamwork.

Influence of Organizational Culture

Using and exercising power can influence organizational culture. Where fair use of power creates the trust and respect of the employees and makes everybody feel valued and supported. Whereas an abuse of power creates the fear and lack of trust between management and workers. Politics can also change how people act, and they become oriented toward personal goals rather than the team goals. A good organizational culture helps to get all to work as one. Good leadership and fair practice help to develop a healthy culture. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, power and politics are essential to how organizations work. They can have both positive and negative effects on decision-making, relationships, and work culture. When used fairly, power and politics can help people work better together. But when misused, they can cause conflicts and hurt teamwork. It is important to use power and politics in a way that benefits everyone in the organization.

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