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Student Learning Objective 4

Specify the role of engineering in total quality management.

Learning Objective C

Appraise the impact of internal politics within an organization

Content

Chapter 13 discusses overcoming politics, negativity and conflict in the workplace. This chapter is a logical follow-up to implementing a culture change as discussed in chapter 6 as these issues often accompany change.

The topic for Module C is internal politics. Major issues address in this module include identifying motivational factors that lead to internal politics, how to recognize internal politics and lobbying, the impact of internal politics and internal politics prevention.

Slide 12: Internal Politics

  • Several motivations drive internal politics: personal insecurity, self-interest, a hunger for power, ambition, ego and the need for acceptance
  • Figure 13-6: Methods Checklist: Internal Politicians
  • Lobbying
  • Building coalitions
  • Applying Pressure
  • Electioneering
  • Spreading rumors and gossip

Figure 13-6: Methods Checklist: Internal Politicians

Slide 13: Lobbying

  • Figure 13-7: Lobbying Tactics of Internal Politicians
  • Contacting people formally (by appointment) to present a personal point of view
  • Engaging people in informal discussions (over lunch, on the golf course, in the hall, etc.) and presenting a personal point of view
  • Providing carefully screened information on a selective basis
  • Doing favors to establish quid pro quo relationships
  • Helping lighten the workload of selected people
  • Applying pressure directly to individuals
  • Applying pressure through third parties
  • Exploiting personal relationships

Figure 13-7: Lobbying Tactics of Internal Politicians

Slide 14: Impact of Internal Politics

  • Effects of Internal Politics on an Organization (Figure 13-8):
  • Loss of morale due to infighting, buck passing, and rumormongering
  • Questionable decisions made for reasons other than what is best for the organization
  • Counterproduction internal competition that saps the organization of its competitive energy
  • Loss of the best and brightest employees as they make a statement about their dissatisfaction by leaving
  • Perpetuation of outdated processes, procedures, and technologies as internal politics is used to promote organizational inertia by those opposed to change
  • Constant conflict as the political machinations of one group are encountered by those of others
  • Loss of quality, competitiveness, and customers as the organization's focus is diverted from what really matters

Figure 13-8: Effects of Internal Politics on an Organization

Internal Politics Prevention

  • Figure 13-9: Main Components of an Internal Politics Prevention Program
  • Strategic Planning Component
  • Leadership Component
  • Reward/Recognition Component
  • Performance Appraisal Component
  • Customer Focus Component
  • Conflict -Management Component
  • Cultural Component

Figure 13-9: Main Components of an Internal Politics Prevention Program