Organization Theory and Design- Chapter 10 - Part 1 - Conflict, Power, and Politics

Summary

This video script explores the dynamics of conflict, power, and politics within organizations. It defines conflict as a disagreement between individuals or groups, illustrated through examples such as differing opinions on company spending or goals. The concept of power is explained through various sources, including authority, expertise, and referent power, with real-world examples. The script also delves into the role of politics in organizations, where power struggles and group dynamics lead to political conflict. Ultimately, it emphasizes that such conflicts, while challenging, are natural within organizational settings and impact team behavior and decision-making.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conflict occurs when two individuals or groups disagree on what should be done, often due to differing goals or perspectives.
• 😀 Horizontal conflict happens between individuals or groups at the same level within an organization, while vertical conflict occurs between different levels, such as management and employees.
• 😀 Organizational conflict examples include marketing vs. accounting, where marketing wants to spend more money, and accounting aims to reduce costs.
• 😀 Conflict can also arise between management and employees, such as when management focuses on increasing sales while employees push for higher salaries.
• 😀 Power in organizations can be derived from legitimate authority, referent power (respect or admiration), coercive power (ability to impose consequences), and reward power (ability to offer incentives).
• 😀 People can gain power within an organization by taking responsibility, gathering relevant information, having experience, or forming strong connections.
• 😀 Politics in organizations involves the distribution and use of power, with groups or individuals forming alliances to achieve their goals.
• 😀 Organizational politics can be seen in departments like finance or marketing forming their own political groups to increase influence and resources.
• 😀 Conflict is more intense than competition; it arises when there is frustration and a lack of agreement on the company's goals or challenges.
• 😀 Intergroup conflict requires three key ingredients: group identification, observable group differences, and frustration, which leads to more severe conflict between groups.
• 😀 Conflict, power, and politics are inherent in every organization, as people seek to gain more power, control, and influence over others.

Q & A

What is conflict, as explained in the transcript?

Conflict occurs when two or more people disagree on something, typically involving different opinions or goals. For example, one person may want an easy exam, while another wants a fair exam for everyone.

Can you provide an example of conflict in a company setting?

Yes, in a company, conflict can arise between departments. For example, the marketing department may want to spend money on advertising, while the accounting department wants to reduce costs, creating a conflict.

What are horizontal and vertical conflicts?

Horizontal conflicts occur between individuals or departments on the same level within an organization. Vertical conflicts happen between individuals at different levels of the organizational hierarchy, such as between employees and their boss.

How do individuals gain power in an organization?

Individuals can gain power through different means such as authority (e.g., a student center leader), referent power (e.g., someone others look up to), or coercive power (e.g., a guard who can deny access). Previous experience, responsibility, and connections also play a role in gaining power.

What is politics in the context of organizations?

Politics in organizations refers to the distribution and struggle for power within the company. Different groups, like finance or marketing, can form their own political factions, each working to increase their own power and influence.

Is political conflict always negative within an organization?

Not necessarily. While some may see political struggles as detrimental, others argue that it’s a natural part of organizational dynamics. Political conflict can help reveal different perspectives and drive progress, although it may also create tension.

What are the three ingredients necessary for intergroup conflict within an organization?

The three ingredients for intergroup conflict are group identification, observable group differences (such as differing goals), and frustration that arises when things are not going well for the organization.

How does frustration contribute to conflict in an organization?

Frustration occurs when the organization faces difficulties, and when one group perceives that the other is not supporting their interests, it leads to conflict. For example, marketing and accounting departments may clash when the company is struggling.

What is the difference between conflict and competition?

Conflict is similar to competition but is more severe. While competition involves striving for something within a set of rules, conflict often involves deeper disagreements and can lead to more intense and damaging outcomes.

How do power dynamics influence behavior in organizations?

Power dynamics influence how individuals interact, with those holding power often controlling decisions, influencing others, and shaping the behavior of those with less power. This creates a cycle where people try to gain and maintain power.