Page 44 - eBOOK ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR FULL REPORT (eISBN)

i) Coalition

Refers to a tactic that prescribes getting others to support your effort to persuade

someone.

5.5 Definition of Organizational Politics

Organizational politics is the process and behavior that in human interactions involves
power and authority. It involves the use of power and social networking within a workplace

to achieve changes that benefit the organization or individuals within it.

"Organizational politics are self-serving behaviors" that "employees use to increase the

probability of obtaining positive outcomes in organizations".
Political behavior is outside specified job requirements. It requires some attempt to use

power bases. The examples of political behavior include withholding key information from

decision makers, joining a coalition, whistleblowing, spreading rumors, leaking confidential

information to the media, exchanging favors with others in the organization for mutual
benefit, and lobbying on behalf of or against a particular individual or decision alternative.

5.6 Types of Political Behavior

There are two types of political behavior that can be found in organization.

a) Legitimate political behavior

It refers to normal everyday politics such as complaining to your supervisor, bypassing

the chain of command and forming coalitions.
b) Illegitimate political behavior

Any behavior that violates the implied rules of the game. Illegitimate activities include

sabotage, whistleblowing, and calling in sick as a group.

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