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Politics in Business

Probably the simplest definition of office politics is the elevation of personal agendas over the maximization of the organizational performance. The term has negative connotations, but it is based on an understanding of how to get co-workers and colleagues to work with you in achieving a goal. The key is the ability to influence others. Certain position can offer the opportunity to increase the ability of the position holder to influence the actions of others. At the same time the visibility of the office holder in the organization is enhanced. Visibility is the degree to which people, particularly superiors, see the person in the position. Jobs that "straddle" boundaries between functions are typically visible as are assignments to "task forces" or special committees. An example of a "politically desirable" job assignment is one that coordinates engineering and marketing. (Cohen, 2002)

Michael and Deborah Singer Dobson who focus on the positive aspects of using office politics to advance both personal careers and the overall objectives of the firm offer a positive view of the concept of office politics. They advocate a three-position view of any question involving getting things done by others.

1. The first position is mine, the problem from my perspective.

2. The second position is "theirs", the problem standing in the other person's shoes.

3. The third position is the "fly on the wall" or the problem seen from outside by a neutral observer.

They also advocate the establishment of personal principles and ethics and following their standards even if short-term advantage suggests otherwise. (Singer Dobson & Singer Dobson, 2001) They Further point out that everyone in the organization from the Chairman/CEO to the office boy is constantly playing office politics regardless of their personal concerns or level of ethical values. They see the secret of success as understanding the s...

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Politics in Business. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 10:46, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/2001324.html