Chapter 12.4: POLITICAL TACTICS AND HOW TO USE THEM

Making friends with power brokers

Teaming up with powerful people who can get results.

Coalition level

Cooperative pursuit of group interests in specific issues.

Three Levels of Political Action

* Individual * Coalition * Network

Most Commonly Used Political Tactics:

1. Building a network of useful contacts. 2. Using "key players" to support initiatives. 3. Making friends with power brokers. 4. Bending the rules to fit the situation. 5. Using self-promotion. 6. Creating a favorable image (also known as impression management, discussed next). 7. Praising others (ingratiation). 8. Attacking or blaming others. 9. Using information as a political tool.

Uncertainty drives a great deal of political behavior, and research outlines five common sources of uncertainty within organizations:

1. Unclear objectives. 2. Vague performance measures. 3. Ill-defined decision processes. 4. Strong individual or group competition. 5. Any type of change.

Coalition

An informal group bound together by the active pursuit of a single issue.

Attacking or blaming others

Avoiding or minimizing association with failure; scapegoating; reducing competition for limited resources.

Using self-promotion.

Blowing your own horn, but not doing the same for others' accomplishments

Network level

Cooperative pursuit of general self-interests.

Building a network of useful contacts

Cultivating a support network both inside and outside the organization.

Creating a favorable image (also known as impression management, discussed next)

Dressing for success; adhering to organizational norms and drawing attention to your successes and influence; taking credit for others' accomplishments.

Using "key players" to support initiatives

Getting prior support for a decision or issue; building others' commitment via participation

Individual level

Individual pursuit of general self-interests

Bending the rules to fit the situation

Interpreting or (not) enforcing rules to serve your own interests

Praising others (ingratiation)

Making influential people feel good (brownnosing).

When Are Politics Good?

Positive uses of politics can occur when actions help an organization adapt, such as when the organization's leadership, policies, practices, and/or strategies may be taking the organization in the wrong direction.

Organizational politics

The use of power and influence in organizations. Are intentional actions to improve individual or organizational interests.

Using information as a political tool.

Withholding or distorting information; obscuring an unfavorable situation by overwhelming superiors with information.