According to Gallos (2008), organizational frames are used to describe the organization and to create an understanding of how it functions as well as their way of doing things. In this frame organizations are viewed as political ecosystems and managers as politicians. The political frame of leadership views organizations as an arena filled with unending differences. In the political frame conflicts are a common occurrence as well as negotiations for power including formations of coalitions. This frame also holds that resources are scarce and there is always an issue of who will be allowed to control what.
Gallos (2008) found that the political frame views the organization as a jungle where diversity understanding and management is a great issue. The people in the organization have different values, beliefs, interest, gender, religion, skills, age, sexual orientation, behaviors, race and views creating areas of possible conflicts. When diversity is managed and appreciated it is a source of creativity and increased performance, on the other hand if not it will lead to hostile work environment and reduced employee performance.
The political frame has it that in most situations, there is formation of different groups in the organization with each fighting to win.Holding power in this frame is important because those with power win.There are a lot of negotiations,lobbing, bargaining formation of coalitions amongst the groups to ensure they win.Example the organization i worked for planned to have employee training in order to develop and improve their skills.There was no enough funding to do it for all employees,consequently not every one would benefit.There was formation of groups mostly at departmental level each wanting to be trained first.Meetings were held by leaders with each trying to convince and coerce the other to forego the training.
Work cited.
- Gallos, V. (2008) Making Sense of Organizations: Leadership, Frames and Everyday Theories of The Situation.
