Political analysis is a complex process that can be divided into two main phases. These are the description and analysis phases. Description in this context entails a process whereby one identifies what, when, who and how elements of a phenomenon. Analysis, on the other hand, is the interrogation of facts, that is, the why. The two are critical as they lay the fundamental framework upon which steps of political analysis are premised. The steps of political analysis include identifying actors, motivators, participants, resources, influence, tactics and action channels. In essence the main task of political analysis entails disintegrating the issues, situations or phenomena into pieces for critical criticism. The requisite resources can then be channeled to leverage the identified issues. This paper will briefly articulate how they can be used at the workplace to ensure effective service delivery.
It is vital for one to identify the principle actors who undertake, pay costs, benefit and alongside other stakeholders who may be relevant to the project. It is prudent to create a list though amendments may be made in future. Furthermore, one must identify the interests or motivators driving these stakeholders. Many clients, consumers or even the management of companies may harbor ulterior motives that might hurt the operations in the long run. Therefore, it is imperative to know if indeed they care. Identifying parties to finance the project is also mandatory. Such parties are usually the ones that receive the greatest benefits. If one is working for a profit making company then the company may be one of the principle financers of the project. It is essential to provide proposals with estimates of the costs and benefits that are likely to be realized. The organizational and political interests and needs must also be taken into consideration.
It is not only essential to know who will participate in the project, but also who will use their influence, power, authority or strategies to influence the outcomes. This will enable one to coordinate the project at the workplace efficiently. It will also be critical in identifying the issues, the opportunities, the expertise and the moral authority guiding the project. Others issues such as access and the relationships of the participants can also be streamlined to ensure equality and equity depending on the values and principles of the company. Some senior managers at the workplace have a habit of interfering with the work of their junior employees. It is critical that measures be put in place to prevent such individuals from jeopardizing the project. The values and ideological principles of the participants must be in tandem with the objectives that the project is tailored to achieve. Indeed, even their characters should suit their assignments. An extrovert is a desirable choice for a marketing executive or a salesmanship assignment.
When an employee has taken all these factors into consideration in either executing his duties at the work place or advocating for the rights or interests of a client, he then has to devise channels for the implementation of the decisions. This is mainly dependent on the nature of the organization and decisions to be made. In essence, channels provide the decision maker with an opportunity to spread the risks through electing various options. It also allows one to explain to all participants the merits and demerits of the project.
References
Goodin, R. E., & Tilly, C. (2008). The Oxford Handbook of Contextual Political Analysis. London: Oxford Handbooks Online.
Yaffee, S., & Chadwick, D. (2006). Political Analysis for Collaborative Managers. School of Natural Resources & Environment, University of Michigan, 1-5.
