Question

We discuss ethical considerations in organizational politics in one of your chapters this week. Reflect on what you learned about power and politicking, and discuss ethical dilemmas that exist in politicking. What ethical issues have you seen at your organization as a result of power, influence, and politics?

Answer 1

Our book defines power is the ability to get someone to do something you want to be done or the ability to make things happen the way you want. There is a set of power based on one’s position or management level and they are referred to as position power or formal power. Formal power includes legitimate, reward and coercive power. Formal power is responsible for business task accomplishments. The abuse of power has given power a bad reputation due to the unethical power plays.

Politicking is the use of power and information to move resources toward preferred objectives. Politicking is advocating for your interests in ways that meet your and your company’s objectives. In today’s business world politicking is important because of the complexities involved. You can use politicking to expand and strengthen your existing network and contacts. Entrepreneurs use politicking to gain credibility to stand out as potential new leaders.

            Ethical issues in politicking are brought on when working with Machiavellian personalities. These individuals believe any behavior is acceptable to further their position and view the workplace as more political to where they tend to manipulate in order to gain an advantage in work situations. When using politicking correctly it can be a powerful tool for achieving your objectives and success within an organization.

            In my workplace, I experienced negative power. I believe there is a way to ask for help and a way to demand someone to help you. I was approached by my manager and was told I have to call an insurance company to verify coverage. I responded to my boss by letting her know the intake department handles all insurance verifications. She responded by telling me if I did not know how to do the task to just tell her instead of passing the task off to someone else. I did express to my boss the knowledge I have on verifying insurance coverage but, it is not one of my daily tasks. My boss was offended, and she reacted by stating “then why are you working here if you clearly do not know what you are doing?”. I was hurt by her comment; I turned around, took the task and completed it. In reading this chapter and remembering this situation I also believe politicking comes into play because the following day my boss approached upper management and told them I refused to be a team player and take on a task she asked me to do. I couldn’t believe she completely manipulated the situation and made it seem as if I was the bad guy just for her personal gain.