12.6 Flashcards
Definition of Organizational Politics
Pursuit of self-interest in an organization, may or may not align with organizational goals.
Means/Ends Matrix - Type I
Sanctioned means/sanctioned ends: routine use of approved power to achieve organizational goals.
Means/Ends Matrix - Type II
Sanctioned means/not-sanctioned ends: misuse of approved influence for inappropriate goals (e.g., cover-up).
Means/Ends Matrix - Type III
Not-sanctioned means/sanctioned ends: achieving good goals through questionable tactics (e.g., bribery).
Means/Ends Matrix - Type IV
Not-sanctioned means/not-sanctioned ends: using disapproved tactics to pursue disapproved outcomes.
Conditions Promoting Politics
Occurs more at middle/upper management; more likely in vague/complex tasks; triggered by scarce resources and uncertainty.
Political Skill - Definition
Ability to understand and influence others at work for personal/organizational goals.
Facets of Political Skill
Social astuteness, interpersonal influence, apparent sincerity, networking ability.
Benefits of Political Skill
Higher job performance/satisfaction, career success; lower burnout/stress.
Networking - Definition
Creating informal social contacts to gain cooperation and influence.
Networking Activities
Maintaining contacts, socializing, professional/community activities, increasing internal visibility.
Networking Success Factors
Self-esteem, extraversion, diverse & central networks lead to more promotions and power.
Machiavellianism
A personality trait involving manipulation, cynicism, and belief that ends justify the means.
High Mach Characteristics
Self-interested, cool and calculating, confident, form alliances to reach goals.
High Mach Tactics
Use deceit, manipulate, form coalitions, assume others are gullible.
High Mach Environments
Emotional, unstructured, face-to-face interaction—ideal for manipulation.
High Mach Outcomes
Not high performers; prone to sabotage and theft.
Knowledge Hiding
Intentional withholding of information in organizations.
Forms of Knowledge Hiding
Playing dumb, evasive hiding, rationalized hiding.
Effects of Knowledge Hiding
Harms creativity, innovation, performance, and trust.
Defensive Political Behaviors
Reactive tactics to protect self-interest and avoid blame.
Stalling
Delaying action to avoid responsibility.
Overconforming
Strictly following rules to dodge undesirable tasks.
Buck Passing
Shifting responsibility to others.
Buffing
Documenting actions to avoid blame.
Scapegoating
Blaming others, often subordinates, when things go wrong.
