Revisiting The Good And Bad Sides Of Organizational Politics

Abstract

This qualitative exploratory study re-examined the common types of political behaviors that typical organization members are prone to engage in and the results expected from such behaviors. The study utilized a purposive and convenience sample of 30 manager-level senior undergraduate students in a University that targets professional career-focused individuals. The study participants were asked eight questions in a semi-structured interview format. The main research question was “What types of political behaviors have you experienced in an organization that you have worked for?” Further, study participants were asked which of the behaviors, in their estimation could be termed as good or bad and why they categorized them as such. The data obtained from the study were analyzed for patterns and themes using the NVivo 8 computer software. Results showed that, in general, organization members view in positive light political behaviors that are used professionally and that thus foster co-operation among organizational members. On the other hand, organization members view in negative light political behaviors that are perceived as self-serving and destructive to co-operation and team spirit among the various units within the organization. There was a small group, however, that seem to believe that at times, the meanings read to some behaviors by organizational members may be wrong as some of these behaviors may not necessarily have political undertones.