Organizations as Political Systems

Flashcards about Organizations as Political Systems.

What is the core idea behind the 'Organizations as Political Systems' metaphor?

Organizations are systems of interests, conflict, and power, shaped by bargaining, negotiation, and influence among individuals and groups with diverse interests.

Why is the 'Organizations as Political Systems' perspective important?

It helps us understand office politics, resistance to change, and departmental rivalries as fundamental aspects of organizational operation.

What are 'interests' in the context of organizations as political systems?

The underlying motivations, goals, and values that drive individuals and groups within an organization, influencing their actions.

How is 'conflict' viewed in the 'Organizations as Political Systems' metaphor?

As a natural consequence of diverse interests within an organization, especially when resources are limited or there are competing views.

Define 'power' within the context of the political metaphor.

The ability to influence others to do something they might not otherwise do, stemming from various sources beyond formal authority.

What is 'Formal Authority' as a source of power?

Power based on legitimization through position, ownership, election, or qualification within the organizational hierarchy.

How does 'Control of Scarce Resources' lead to power?

Power comes from controlling access to things that others need or want, such as money, materials, technology, or information.

How can 'Organizational Structure, Rules, Regulations, and Procedures' be used to exert power?

By interpreting and applying rules to block actions, delay processes, or advance specific interests.

How does 'Control of Decision Processes' create power?

By influencing how decisions are made, who is involved, what options are considered, and the criteria used to evaluate choices.

What is 'Boundary Management' and how does it create power?

Controlling interactions between different parts of the organization or between the organization and its external environment.

How do 'Interpersonal Alliances, Networks, and Control of Informal Organization' provide power?

Through relationships, friendships, and informal networks within and outside the organization by building coalitions.

How is 'Symbolism and the Management of Meaning' used as a source of power?

By influencing how people interpret events and the reality of the organization through language, symbols, stories, and rituals.

What is Autocracy as a mode of rule in organizations?

Rule by a single individual or small, self-interested group with absolute authority.

What is Bureaucracy as a mode of rule in organizations?

Rule through the power embedded in rules, procedures, and rational-legal authority.

What is Technocracy as a mode of rule in organizations?

Rule based on expertise and knowledge, where those with specialized skills or information hold significant influence.

What is Codetermination as a mode of rule in organizations?

Rule based on a coalition or partnership between groups with potentially opposing interests, such as labor and management.

What is Representative Democracy as a mode of rule in organizations?

Rule where power rests with elected representatives, like a board of directors representing shareholders or employees.

What is Direct Democracy as a mode of rule in organizations?

Rule where all members have an equal say and are directly involved in decision-making.

How does the political metaphor view the creation of organizational reality?

Reality is shaped by power; those with power influence what is considered important, what information is disseminated, and how events are interpreted.

Name a strength of the Political Metaphor.

It provides a powerful way to analyze power and conflict within organizations.

Name a limitation of the Political Metaphor.

Focusing heavily on power, interests, and conflict can create a cynical view, overshadowing cooperation and shared goals.