[First Name Last Name]
Effective: The type of the politicking tactic used by Rita is ‘Upward Appeal’. I think this would help Rita to fulfill her requirement of meeting high-level managers. This is one of the soft influence tactics that can be effective for Rita and could also assist for her job position. This would help her to develop improved communication with managers. After all, one has to maintain effective workplace communication to be successful in a workplace by optimally yet reasonably utilizing available channels, as well as, resources.
Ineffective: The type of the politicking tactic used by Paul is ‘Impression Management’. He was trying to ingratiate and flatter his manager’s manager. In my opinion, Paul adopted an ineffective gesture of influencing his senior manager as pointing out mistakes of his senior is obviously a futile way of politicking. I think that even if his manager is making any mistakes, he should first gracefully tell him instead of telling his manager’s manager.
Effective: Jasmine used a logic to estimate that her team won’t be able to meet the deadline. This is a part of ‘Persuasion’ tactic. I think Jasmine has undertaken an effective politicking nod as she realizes her own weaknesses and strengths. Similarly, she is also willing to take advice, which is one of the finest attitudes that an individual may have when he/she wants to achieve something.
Ineffective: Sally's tactic belong to impression management. She wants to work more to achieve her target so that she can get notified. I don’t think that Sally’s strategy is going to work. Although this would not harm anybody nor will it affect anyone else’s level of productivity; however, this would surely isolate Sally from her working group and colleagues. It is good to focus on work but socializing and maintaining healthy communication and working relationships are equally essential for Sally. This is necessary for a reason that while socializing, you may get some great advice from other people, receive feedback, and also look for help and favors if one is maintaining good terms.
Ineffective: John’s tactic is similar to Paul, as like him he wants to ingratiate other high-level managers. But this also involves the tests of upward appeal and impression management. I think John’s shrug reflects ineffective politicking as sending his performance report to other non-reporting high-level managers is unjustified and unnecessary even when they have not requested. This clearly shows that John is looking for something in return from them and is trying to persuade them in their future decision making or to get any favors.
Effective: Suzy tactic is a blend of Upwards Appeal and Impression Management. I think Suzy is using effective politicking tactics as she is completing her work before the deadline when she wants to be a part of a high-level managerial gathering. This won’t leave any chances of complains against her because she is effectively managing her time. Even on the other day, she is meeting the deadline and not exceeding it. The situation is similar to that of Rita, where if you want to maintain effective communication, you have to be smart, intelligent, as well as, efficient and upright.
Effective: Samuel is using tactics similar to Rita i.e. Upwards Appeal and Impression Management. This situation is similar to that of Rita who wanted to join the golf club. Similarly, Samuel joins a church where most of the top managers are the members. Apparently, sharing the similar religious and cultural values could help Samuel to develop closer and healthier relations with most of them, which may help him with his job task and future career progressions too.
Works Cited
Bacharach, S. B., & Lawler, E. J. Power and politics in organizations. Jossey-Bass Inc Pub. 2010. Web. July 20, 2016
Brass, Daniel J., and David M. Krackhardt. “Power, politics, and social networks in organizations.” Politics in organizations: Theory and research considerations. 355-375. 2012. July 20, 2016
