Organizational Analysis: The Political Lens M2-33 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What aspect of the organization does the political lens focus on?

Enhancing rational decision-making processes

Analyzing problems and opportunities

Competition and conflict among individuals and groups (correct)

Constructing the organization for strategic goals

What does the strategic design lens consider the organization to be?

A platform for shared rationality

A coalition-building entity

A political arena for negotiation

A social system for achieving strategic goals (correct)

In the strategic design perspective, where do the roots of conflict lie?

Competing interests and disagreements

Different analyses of problems and opportunities (correct)

Political action and influence

Local rationality and shared understandings

What is the key difference between the strategic design lens and the political lens?

Roots of conflict: problem definition vs. competing interests Signup and view all the answers

Regarding disagreement resolution, what does the political perspective emphasize?

Political action, negotiation, coalition building Signup and view all the answers

Which question does the political lens ask that sets it apart from the strategic design perspective?

'Who's defining the problem, and what gives them the power to define it?' Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Rosabeth Kanter's book 'Men and Women of the Corporation'?

Power dynamics in U.S. corporations Signup and view all the answers

Which book provides a clear explanation of social networks and their impact on intraorganizational competition?

The Social Structure of Competition Signup and view all the answers

In which book is there a study of political activism in organizations?

Tempered Radicals: How People Use Difference to Inspire Change at Work Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for a psychological analysis of the dynamics of power use and abuse by top executives?

Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries Signup and view all the answers

Which book provides insights into power dynamics that are still widely cited and applied today?

Men and Women of the Corporation Signup and view all the answers

What issue is Ronald S. Burt's book 'The Social Structure of Competition' focused on?

Social networks and their effects on competition within organizations Signup and view all the answers

What are the key elements of power and politics in organizations?

Interests, conflict, competition, coalition building Signup and view all the answers

Which book provides an analysis of power and its sources and use in organizations?

Managing with Power: Politics and Influence in Organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the book 'Leading Up: How to Lead Your Boss So You Both Win'?

Exerting influence upward in the organization Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of influence is emphasized in the book 'Organizational Influence Processes'?

All directions of influence (downward, lateral, upward) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of organizations as mentioned in the text?

Political systems involving interests and competition Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of 'The Executive Way: Conflict Management in Corporations' focus on?

Conflict among high-level executives and its management Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the political aspects of an organization?

The attention and gossip of those working in and leading the organization Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what is the relationship between the formal design of an organization and its political system?

The formal design is the equivalent of the skeleton, while the political system is the musculature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the political system in an organization, according to the passage?

To enable effective decision-making and action within the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary implication when people say that "That was a political decision"?

The decision was made on the wrong criteria and was a bad decision. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the elective reading on informal networks mentioned in the passage?

To show the importance of the multiple informal networks that link individuals and subunits in organizations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key message of the passage regarding the role of the political system in an organization?

The political system is essential for effective decision-making and action within the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Understanding Power Dynamics in Organizations

The political aspects of an organization are often the focus of attention and gossip, but are also the least accepted.
Power and interests, coalition building, and negotiation are essential aspects of organizational life.
The political system is the musculature of the organization, essential to action.

The Political Lens

The political lens brings into sharp focus aspects of the organization that are different from the strategic design lens.
The political lens sees the organization as an arena for competition and conflict among individuals, groups, and other organizations.
The roots of conflict lie in different and competing interests, and disagreements require political action.

Key Questions

Who's defining the problem, and what gives them the power to define it?
Who's advocating what solution, and why?

Power and Influence

Power and influence are essential aspects of organizational life.
The political perspective recognizes that rationality is local.
Managing with power involves politics and influence in organizations.

Conflict Management

Morrill, Calvin. (1995). The Executive Way: Conflict Management in Corporations.
Conflict management involves negotiation, coalition building, and the exercise of power and influence.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the political lens in organizational analysis, which views organizations as arenas for competition and conflict among individuals and groups. Learn about the differences between the strategic design lens and the political lens in understanding organizational dynamics.