Workplace success not only lies in professional expertise but also in an integral understanding of factors like corporate politics. It's the 'phenomenon' that shapes decision-making and influences relationships in the workplace.
In its simplest form, corporate politics is about the differences between people in the corporate environment, working together and competing for success.
Corporate politics has positive and negative aspects, as it can lead to either a constructive collaboration or a toxic workplace. The onus is learning how to manage and navigate corporate politics effectively to ensure individual and organisational growth.
In this deck, you'll learn the impact of corporate politics in the workplace.
You'll also learn;
• The root causes of workplace politics within teams
• Key strategies to effectively navigate workplace politics
• Your role as a leader in managing corporate politics in the organisation.
2. Corporate Politics, sometimes referred to as
Workplace politics is an integral part of any
organisation. They can dictate critical aspects
like how decisions are made, who gets
promoted, and sometimes who stays employed.
However, rather than totally avoiding it,
understanding and navigating them is necessary
for professional growth and job satisfaction.
3. Let’s define
Corporate Politics
The term ‘Corporate Politics' refers to the actions, attitudes, or behaviors employed to gain or
maintain power or advantages within a business organisation or enterprise.
It involves the use of perceived power, control or social network within the workplace to
achieve changes that benefit certain individuals at the expense of others.
4. Causes of Corporate Politics
1
2
3
4
Corporate politics can exist where there’s a
lack or ineffective communication between
teams, departments and individuals.
Lack of Clarity
When resources are not enough to go around,
political manoeuvers might ensue, leading to
tension and power struggles.
Scarcity of Resources
Often, work relationships are sabotaged and
rampant burnout occurs due to the high level
of competition.
Extremely Competitive Work
Environment
This happens when a position of authority is
used to manipulate others by any means.
Abuse of Power
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5. How Corporate
Politics Affects
the Workplace
Employees can display corporate
politics in both positive and
negative ways. While certain
upsides to corporate politics
include healthy competition and
greater efficiency, the downsides
include increased stress levels and
distrust.
Positives Negatives
• Healthy Competition
• Collaboration
• Effective Networking
• Greater Efficiency
• Distribution of Tasks
• Motivation and Morale
• Distrust
• Decreases Productivity
• Toxic Work Environment
• Increased Stress Levels
• Demotivated Employees
• Increased Employee Turnover
6. How To Navigate Corporate Politics
In The Workplace
Avoid Negative
Politics
03
Enhance
Communication Skills
Build Alliances
02 04
Identify the
Power Dynamics
01 Be Adaptable
and Keep Learning
05
7. How To Navigate Corporate Politics
In The Workplace
03
02 04
Identify the
Power Dynamics
01 05
The first step to take is to
understand the existing
power dynamics, know the
decision-makers and who
has influence over them.
8. How To Navigate Corporate Politics
In The Workplace
03
Build Alliances
02 04
01 05
Create an invaluable network of allies
that can help you navigate corporate
politics successfully. These alliances
should be mutually beneficial and
based on respect and trust.
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9. How To Navigate Corporate Politics
In The Workplace
Avoid Negative
Politics
03
02 04
01 05
Ensure you maintain your integrity and
steer clear of toxic behaviors. Where
possible, address the issue directly and.
10. How To Navigate Corporate Politics
In The Workplace
03
Enhance
Communication Skills
02 04
01 05
Effective communication is crucial in
successfully navigating workplace
politics. You must be able to articulate
your ideas clearly, listen with an open
mind, and engage in constructive.
11. How To Navigate Corporate Politics
In The Workplace
03
02 04
01 Be Adaptable
and Keep Learning
05
Be adaptable and willing
to adjust your approach.
Keep honing your political
acumen by adapting your
strategies, and learning
from both successes and
failures.
12. Role of Leaders in Corporate Politics
Leaders should take
proactive steps to
intervene when they
notice actions like
bullying, harassment, or
manipulation occurring
within the workplace.
It is critical for leaders
to establish a safe area
where employees can
seek guidance without
fear.
Training programs on
communication, emotional
intelligence, conflict
resolution, and leadership
can empower employees
to handle challenging
situations and foster
constructive relationships.
It is essential that
management establish
clear policies on conduct
and behavior at work. This
includes outlining
appropriate ways to
communicate with
coworkers, how to resolve
conflicts, and how to
handle conflicts.
Recognising
Toxic Behaviors
Offering
Guidance
Training and
Development
Establishing clear
policies
Click here to read - Why Talent Development & Succession Planning Maximises Organisa
13. Creating a healthy work environment requires commitment
from both leaders and employees. This involves nurturing a
culture rooted in professionalism, collaboration and integrity
in every interaction.
By placing emphasis on these, you can mitigate the adverse
impacts of corporate politics while cultivating a productive,
optimistic, and cohesive business environment.
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