Organizational Politics - Definition (2 Marks)

Organizational Politics refers to intentional actions/ behaviour by individuals/groups to acquire, enhance and use power to secure self-interests or influence decision-making beyond formal authority, often at the cost of organizational goals.

Pfeffer: “Activities taken within org to acquire, develop and use power and other resources to obtain preferred outcomes in situation where there is uncertainty or dissensus.”

Nature:

• Informal, non-sanctioned behaviour
• Based on power struggles, scarcity of resources, ambiguous goals
• Self-interest vs. organizational interest
• May be functional (career advancement) or dysfunctional (conflict, favouritism)

Examples: Lobbying for promotion, bypassing chain, coalition formation, withholding information.

Occurs where formal rules inadequate → unavoidable in organizations; needs to be managed ethically.