Common Management Errors (128)
Cxxviii) Not understanding and handling 'Us vs Them' mentality

Introduction
"...tensions in some form exist in every workplace and impact how individuals and groups are viewed and treated..."
Shortelle Bryan, 2024
This can result in an 'us vs them' mentality which creates distance and negatively charged interaction between individuals and groups.
A factor that can cause the 'us vs them'  mentality is the physical design/layout of the organisation, ie where different groups of staff are physically located in the workplace. Generally, if the organisation occupies a number of floors, the more senior and/or important staff are located upstairs.
This is the extension of the Edwardian manor house of past generation
"...Where servants/workers occupied the ground floor of the establishment or barns and the royals/owners who have money, power and accolades, occupy the upper floor. Access to the upper floor was often a nerve-racking experience, as some form of rebuke or chastisement was expected if proper manners and protocols were not adhered to..."
Shortelle Bryan, 2024
Characteristics of 'us vs them' for 'upstairs vs 'downstairs' mentality' (see below diagram)

(source: Shortelle Bryan, 2024)
This is still relevant in today's workplaces
"...As it not only dictate our conscious and subconscious thoughts and how individuals react to one another excess of organisational change......the physical shift to a higher floor or from an outdoor facility to an office setting makes a significant positive change in moral, collaboration on initiatives and productivity..."
Shortelle Bryan, 2024
Tactics to handle 'us vs them' mentality
i) mix staff up (physically have different levels of the organisation located together, ie managers should be in the same location with thier staff, etc)
ii) used neutral space for meetings (this will lessen
"...the tension associated with going to the floor that management occupies or having them invade floor occupied by the masses. It also encourages more interaction and collaboration across teams..."
Shortelle Bryan, 2024
iii) implement agile working (allocate spaces on different locations for particular needs like meetings, training, etc:
"...these workspaces should be equally attractive and have the same terms of use, so staff from across the organisation can feel comfortable using spaces on any floor. This enables greater interaction, collaboration and the perception of a fair and balanced workplace..."
Shortelle Bryan, 2024
iv) office aesthetics through be equally appealing (no location to make people feel uncomfortable; all should be equally appealing)
v) ensure fair office equipment distribution (check that all individuals are given relevant, up-to-date, functioning tools that are more than adequate for their jobs)
Summary
"...tensions and bias is in the organisation can be lived out by the 'us vs them' mentality and can impair and stifle an organisation's efficiency and productivity. Swift and deliberate measures need to be taken......to address these tensions, and restore balance, so the workplace can thrive..."
Shortelle Bryan, 2024