The Political Frame

Question 1

Name five basic propositions for the political frame

Answer 1

1. Organizations are coalitions of assorted individuals and interest groups
2. Coalition members have enduring differences in values, beliefs, information, interests, and perceptions of reality
3. Most important decisions involve allocating scarce resources—who gets what
4. Scarce resources and enduring differences put conflict at the center of day-to-day dynamics and make power the most important asset
5. Goals are not set by edict at the top but emerge from bargaining and negotiation among competing stakeholders jockeying for their own interests

Question 2

The organization can have two different metaphorical functions in the symbolic frame - which are these?

Answer 2

The organization as an actor

The organization as an arena

Question 3

Name three methods from the political frame for avoiding open conflict

Answer 3

Create surplus of resources
(reduces dependency, but very costly!)

Create homogenity and consensus
(consensus but more groupthink)

Downplay the importance of the decision
(could worsen if discovered)

Question 4

What is Pfeffer’s definition of power?

Answer 4

Defines power as “the potential ability to influence behavior, to change the course of events, to overcome resistance, and to get people to do things they would not otherwise do”

Question 5

Name two characteristics of Lukes first dimension of power

Answer 5

Visible

Relatively easy to analyze (actors, goals, outcomes)

Question 6

Name two characteristics of Lukes second dimension of power

Answer 6

Quite visible
Can be analyzed:
1. What do the different actors want?
2. What is regarded as appropriate to discuss?
3. Who decides what is (in-)appropriate?

Question 7

Define Lukes first dimension of power

Answer 7

Power belongs to individuals with explicit goals regarding specific issues in specific situations

Question 8

Define Lukes second dimension of power

Answer 8

Power is in the hands of the person who sets the agenda, what subject to discuss and what problems to resolve

Question 9

Define Lukes third dimension of power

Answer 9

Power is in the hands of the ones that define what is an issue, a problem or non-problem, what is natural, good, and what is pathologic and evil

= cultural control, management of meaning

Question 10

Which of Lukes dimensions of power is most difficult to study?

Answer 10

The third dimension

Question 11

Name the ten sources of power

Answer 11

(structural frame)
    Authority ("position power")
    Control of rewards
    Coercive power
    Information and expertise
(symbolic frame)
    Personal power
    Reputation
    Control over symbols
(political frame)
    Framing: control of meaning and symbols
    Alliances and networks
    Access and control of agendas

Question 12

What are the opposing roles of authorities and partisans?

Answer 12

Authorities are the recipients or targets of influence, and the agents or initiators of social control.

Partisans are agents or initiators of influence, and targets or recipients of social control.

Question 13

Name four key political skills

Answer 13

Mapping the political terrain

Setting the agenda

Networking and forming coalitions

Bargaining and negotiating

Question 14

Name four steps in mapping the political terrain

Answer 14

1. Determine channels of informal communication.
2. Identify principal agents of political influence.
3. Analyze possibilities for mobilizing internal and external players
4. Anticipate counterstrategies that others are likely to employ