Organizational Politics: What It Is, Types, and More

In any business environment, a hierarchy is inevitable. While this structure helps set clear goals and responsibilities for employees, it also establishes organizational politics. This type of politics goes beyond who speaks the loudest in meetings or has the most impressive office décor. It involves a complex interplay of power dynamics, reflecting an individual's ability to use influence, power, and personal interests to advance within the organizational hierarchy.

Understanding politics and how to navigate it can help individuals and organizations use its potential to drive change and achieve their objectives.

What Is Organizational Politics?

Organizational politics refers to activities and behaviors done to gain an advantage within an organization. For instance, an employee selectively shares or withholds information to gain favor with their boss, or a department head uses their influence to ensure a favored employee gets promoted despite other candidates being equally qualified.

A Glassdoor survey found that 77% of employees consider company culture before applying for a job. Organizational politics has profound impacts on company culture, and this survey reflects how a transparent and fair work environment can attract top talent and enhance employee satisfaction.

Types: How It Manifests

At Individual Level

This typically involves manipulating the power dynamic to move forward in one’s own career. Here is how this is done:

• Networking: Building positive relationships and having strong connections gives individuals a leg up and opens doors to new opportunities. A LinkedIn survey showed that about 73% of respondents were hired as a result of networking.

• Self-promotion: By repeatedly highlighting your skills and achievements, you are signaling to those in authority that you are more capable than your coworkers.

• Playing the victim: When you claim you are unfairly treated or struggling, you often receive favors and might even receive leniency in tasks and feedback.

At Group Level

The instance of two departments within a company competing for a higher budget is not unheard of. In fact, according to a study, 30% of workers find it challenging to communicate with their co-workers. Group-level politics often include power dynamics and strategies that happen within teams. Here is how this may happen:

• Gatekeeping: When one department has valuable insights and chooses to withhold or selectively share the information, it can gain an added advantage on a particular project.

• Forming alliances: You may often see people in different departments and on different levels bond over similar interests and common goals. These individuals form informal groups and might have influence over organizational decisions.

For instance, in a major corporation, as the CEO was retiring, a top executive vied for the position by forming alliances with key board members and influential co-workers.

The Impact: How Organizational Politics Shapes Employees and Organizations

While most studies focus on the negative aspects of office politics, when used ethically, it can be quite a rewarding experience for the entire team. In startups, for example, founders and early employees might engage in political behavior to influence the direction of the company and establish leadership roles.

A major entertainment company bought a leading animation studio for $7.4 billion. They had to carefully manage organizational politics to merge their cultures and leadership roles. This approach led to successful films and a strong partnership.

Given its contradictory impacts, it is crucial to understand office politics carefully and develop strategies to manage it effectively.

Navigation: Tips for Managing OganizationalPolitics

A study by Outlook revealed how a striking 71% of respondents say that discrimination and favoritism by managers are major causes of toxicity in the workplace. Since a toxic work culture can cause significant losses in any organization, leaders must handle politics carefully to ensure fairness and transparency. Here are a few ways for effectively managing politics:

• Build trust and a positive work environment: You can relieve the impacts of negative politics by creating an environment based on trust and genuineness. Gallup’s Employee Engagement Report reveals that high levels of employee engagement are closely tied to a positive work environment. One of their reports shows only 23% of employees are actively engaged in their work. Organizational politics, if mismanaged, can negatively impact engagement by creating a culture of favoritism and mistrust.

• Understand the power structure: The key to solving any problem is understanding it effectively, and once you grasp the roots and dynamics of the power structure, you can navigate it more easily.

• Communicate strategically: Sometimes, a diplomatic, clear, and concise approach in your interactions can help build rapport and avoid misunderstandings.

• Maintain your integrity: Stick to your words, stay true to your morals and values, and avoid getting involved in gossip and manipulative behavior, which can tarnish your reputation.

Final Thoughts

Organizational politics is an inherent element of workplace dynamics, and it becomes quite hard to ignore. Enhancing your career and promoting a productive organizational culture involves approaching organizational politics with balance and clear understanding. Remember, where there is business, there is a hierarchy, and when you master this interplay, you gain control over your success and influence within the organization.