“THE POLITICS OF BACKSTABBING”

PAGE 329

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 316Langton, 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 MarketBlind AmbitionCharacter 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?