More on Office Politics cont.
Introduction
Office politics refers to the informal use of power, influence, relationships and information to shape decisions, outcomes and reputations—often outside formal structures.
Politics is not inherently bad. However, it becomes problematic when it is:
- Hidden rather than transparent
- Self-serving rather than enterprise-serving
- Fear-based rather than purpose-driven.
In change initiatives, politics intensifies because change disrupts:
- Power
- Identity
- Status
- Resources
- Certainty
Some Reasons Office Politics Escalates During Change
Change creates perceived winners and losers.
Common political triggers include:
|
Trigger |
Political Behaviour |
|
1. Loss of control |
Resistance, micromanaging |
|
2. Loss of expertise relevance |
Undermining new approaches |
|
3. Threat to identity |
Defensive narratives |
|
4. Resource reallocation |
Turf protection |
|
5. Unclear decision rights |
Alliance-building, lobbying |
In short: people protect what they fear losing.
Some Common Political Roles in Change
Recognising roles helps you respond strategically rather than emotionally.
|
Role |
Behaviour |
|
1. Sponsors |
Use authority to accelerate or block |
|
2. Gatekeepers |
Control information, access, or approvals |
|
3. Informal leaders |
Shape opinion regardless of title |
|
4. Resisters |
Can delay, question or undermine |
|
5. Opportunists |
Align with change for personal gain |
|
6. Silent majority |
Watch carefully before committing |
NB The informal leaders often matter more than formal ones.
The Cost of Ignoring Politics in Change
Ignoring politics leads to:
- Passive resistance
- Saying ‘yes’ in meetings, but ‘no’ elsewhere
- Decision paralysis
- Change fatigue
- Failed adoption, despite good design.
Many “technical failures” of change are actually political failures.
(main source: Jeffrey Pfeffer, 2010)