Organizational politics: problem or opportunity? Strategies for success in the workplace

Abstract

Purpose

Asserts that organizational politics are inevitable, but questions whether this should always be viewed as a disadvantage.

Design/methdology/approach

Compares various definitions of organizational politics, some of the factors that give rise to organizational politics, and how the individual and the organization as a whole can use organizational politics to their advantage.

Findings

Advises each aspiring employee to try to find out the real culture of the organization he or she seeks to enter. Reveals that an outstanding employee may not thrive in an organization where his or her supervisor feels threatened. Counsels employees to find a mentor who is well placed in the organizational hierarchy. Examines the importance of personal chemistry in building relationships.

Practical implications

Highlights the limits of what equal‐opportunities legislation can achieve.

Originality/value

Explores the importance of the “fiefdom” syndrome in the modern workplace.

Citation

Marques, J. (2009), "Organizational politics: problem or opportunity? Strategies for success in the workplace", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 38-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730910986177