A theoretical understanding of power and politics in and around organizations is a necessary but not sufficient step in developing real competency in managing power and influence. Students also need to apply these concepts to their own experiences and to those of others. This course will encourage that application through discussion of actual cases, by viewing videotaped examples of power and influence processes, and by discussing past experiences with power and politics.
Students taking up positions following their degree programs are often unprepared for the reality of organizational life – namely the pervasiveness of intra-organizational and inter-organizational politics. Those who have work experience may be aware of the existence of organizational politics but frequently lack the techniques to manage it. Whether an individual wishes to enter into political gamesmanship or not, he or she cannot afford to ignore politics and expect to be successful in the organizational world. Power and politics play two roles. First, they can be mechanisms of control and inertia that maintain the status quo and protect vested interests. These effects may occur on an individual or personal level and/or a broader, societal level. Second, power and politics can be used as a force for change – actions that may benefit societal and organizational goals as much as self-interest. Developing and wielding influence and exercising power is what successful managers do. They tap into organizational purpose, politics, and perspectives to attain critical organizational and professional goals.
In this class, students will explore the dynamics of organizational politics and discuss techniques for managing power in and around organizations. The course teaches students how to recognize politics, at work and in society, and how to use power as a force for change. Throughout, the emphasis is on developing skills at recognizing and using power in order to be more effective managers and citizens. The coursework focuses on increasing a student’s ability to analyze, explain, evaluate, and utilize power dynamics in and around organizations.
