Laura Conrad Brett Cogswell Grace Coughlan

Political Behavior Defined  Those activities that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the organization. Page 316 Langton, Robbins and Judge, Organizational Behaviour, Fifth Cdn. Ed. Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education Canada

Our Case Study  Our case shows both sides of illegitimate political behavior that can occur within the work environment. We hear accounts from both a victim and an offender.  Scott Rosen had seen constant progress in his job position but then began to feel pushed aside by another assistant manager within the company.  An executive at a technology company admits looking back that he treated a fellow employee unfairly. Repeatedly performing illegitimate political behavior to further his own position.

Types of Political Activities Within Organizations  Attacking or blaming others.  Using information.  Managing impressions.  Building support for ideas.  Praising others.  Building coalitions.  Associating with influential people.  Creating obligations.

Question 1  Factors Cited Within the Text: Tight Job Market Blind Ambition Character Disorder  Other Factors: Needs Theories

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Langton, Robbins and Judge, Organizational Behaviour, Fifth Cdn. Ed. Copyright © 2010 Pearson Education Canada Physiological Safety Social Esteem Self- actualization

Question 2 Steps that the employee can take to eliminate the behavior:  Talk to the perpetrator.  Bring a facilitator.  Bring problem to a higher level employee if needed. Ex. Management, Head Office.

Question 2 Continued… Steps that management can take to eliminate the behavior:  Authoritative command.  Altering the human variable.  Altering the structural variables.  Punishment for actions.  Establish a policy against illegitimate political behavior in the work place.

Question 2 Continued… Is Illegitimate Political Behavior Justified?  Personally – No  However, in a case where a fellow employee is not performing their job up to par and management is ignoring this problem then we can see how it may become an option.  Positive: the conflict could be considered functional conflict and cause a change for the better.

Question 3 Negative Effects on Perpetrators:  Bad reputation amongst coworkers.  May look unappealing to potential employers.  Actions causes a cut off from workplace friendships.

Question 3 Continued… Negative Effects on Organization:  Cause dysfunctional conflict.  Company reputation affected.  Legal repercussions.

The End… Any questions or comments?