Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which perspective views an organization as a coalition with diverse interests, where conflict is expected and structured?
Which perspective views an organization as a coalition with diverse interests, where conflict is expected and structured?
- Realist Perspective
- Pluralist Perspective (correct)
- Unitarist Perspective
- Idealist Perspective
In the context of organizational perspectives, what is a key characteristic of the unitarist view?
In the context of organizational perspectives, what is a key characteristic of the unitarist view?
- Emphasis on inevitable conflict and negotiation.
- Recognition of diverse sub-systems and interests.
- The belief that conflicts are temporary aberrations. (correct)
- Acceptance of political maneuvering as a norm.
According to those ascribing to the unitarist perspective, what should be the attitude towards organizational politics?
According to those ascribing to the unitarist perspective, what should be the attitude towards organizational politics?
- Politics should be embraced as a tool for negotiation.
- Politics should be acknowledged and managed openly.
- Politics should be denied, decried, and discarded. (correct)
- Politics should be analyzed for power dynamics.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'negotiated order' in the pluralist context?
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'negotiated order' in the pluralist context?
How does the pluralist perspective differ from the unitarist perspective in regard to conflict?
How does the pluralist perspective differ from the unitarist perspective in regard to conflict?
From a unitarist perspective, how are organizational interests perceived?
From a unitarist perspective, how are organizational interests perceived?
If a manager holds a unitarist perspective, how might they view attempts at unionization within their company?
If a manager holds a unitarist perspective, how might they view attempts at unionization within their company?
What is the likely perception of conflict within an organization from a unitarist standpoint?
What is the likely perception of conflict within an organization from a unitarist standpoint?
Which statement best reflects the role of management, according to unitarist ideology?
Which statement best reflects the role of management, according to unitarist ideology?
How might a unitarist manager respond when employees express dissenting opinions or resistance to a new policy?
How might a unitarist manager respond when employees express dissenting opinions or resistance to a new policy?
Which perspective views conflict in organizations as a result of inherent power imbalances and inequalities within the broader society?
Which perspective views conflict in organizations as a result of inherent power imbalances and inequalities within the broader society?
From a unitarist perspective, what is the primary way to create a harmonious working environment?
From a unitarist perspective, what is the primary way to create a harmonious working environment?
Which of the following best describes the pluralist view of conflict within organizations:
Which of the following best describes the pluralist view of conflict within organizations:
In addressing a strike, which action aligns with the unitarist perspective?
In addressing a strike, which action aligns with the unitarist perspective?
Which perspective is most likely to view a strike as a symptom of deeper societal issues rather than merely a dispute between employees and management?
Which perspective is most likely to view a strike as a symptom of deeper societal issues rather than merely a dispute between employees and management?
What would a pluralist group consider as a suitable method for resolving conflict?
What would a pluralist group consider as a suitable method for resolving conflict?
When evaluating the actions of managers during a strike, which perspective would focus on whether the managers are maintaining their authority and minimizing disruption to productivity?
When evaluating the actions of managers during a strike, which perspective would focus on whether the managers are maintaining their authority and minimizing disruption to productivity?
How does the pluralist perspective view the power dynamic between managers and workers?
How does the pluralist perspective view the power dynamic between managers and workers?
Flashcards
Unitarist Perspective
Unitarist Perspective
The belief that organizations operate as a unified and harmonious entity with a common goal.
Manager's View (Unitarist)
Manager's View (Unitarist)
The perspective that managers commonly hold this view, seeing the organization as an integrated whole.
Politics (Unitarist View)
Politics (Unitarist View)
The perception that there is no place for competing interests within the organization.
Shared interests
Shared interests
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Organisation harmony
Organisation harmony
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Employee Loyalty (Unitarist View)
Employee Loyalty (Unitarist View)
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Politics as 'Dirty Word'
Politics as 'Dirty Word'
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Organization as a 'Living Organism'
Organization as a 'Living Organism'
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Diversity of Interests
Diversity of Interests
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Inevitable Conflict (Pluralist View)
Inevitable Conflict (Pluralist View)
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Unitarism
Unitarism
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Pluralism
Pluralism
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Radical Perspective
Radical Perspective
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Conflict as Revelation
Conflict as Revelation
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Conflict Suppression
Conflict Suppression
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Undermining Managerial Prerogative
Undermining Managerial Prerogative
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Hard-line Approach
Hard-line Approach
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Profit-Making Capacity
Profit-Making Capacity
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Study Notes
- Tutorial for Power & Politics
Activity 1: Quick Knowledge
- The activity involves considering different perspectives on organizations and related concepts
- Perspectives include Unitarist, Pluralist, and Radical views
- The activity explores how each perspective views the organization, power, politics, decision-making, conflict, and resistance
Unitarist Perspective
- Managers commonly hold this perspective
- Organizations are "integrated and harmonious wholes existing for a common purpose"
- The organization is viewed as a "happy family"
- Employees are expected to be loyal, and managers are in charge
- Politics is seen as unnecessary if interests are objectively shared
- Many managers and unitarists consider politics a "dirty" word
Pluralist Perspective
- The organization is seen as a living organism composed of various sub-systems
- Attention is given to the diversity of individual/group interests
- The organization is viewed as a loose coalition with a passing interest in formal goals
- Acceptance of competing interests and politics
- Conflict is considered inevitable, legitimate, and structured within the employment relationship
- The aim is to achieve a "negotiated order" that creates unity from diversity
- Conflict is viewed as manageable and resolvable
Radical Perspective
- Power imbalances and inequality are inherent in wider society and organizations
- The organization is seen as a battleground where rival forces strive for incompatible ends
- It highlights legitimate concerns directed at the organization of work
- It is through conflict that we can understand the inherent problems within society
- Conflict is often suppressed, either overtly (in unitarist views) or covertly (in pluralist views)
Activity 2: Three Perspectives of Power
- The task is to identify examples and statements that represent unitarism, pluralism, and radicalism while watching the clip
- Consider what is happening in the case
- Evaluate the situation and the strike action from these perspectives
- Consider different views of the employees on strike
- Consider different views of the managers and their actions in addressing the strike
- Consider is this conflict resolvable and the appropriate resolution
Perspectives on Strike Action
- Unitarist perceive strike action as hindering productivity, profit-making, and undermining managerial control
- Unitarist perceive employees are acting irrationally
- Unitarist suggest management should take a hard-line approach to avoid resistance and create a harmonious environment
- Pluralist see negotiations as normal
- Pluralist may think the conflict can be resolved by negotiation
- Pluralist may perceive there to be a level playing field
- Radicalist may see conflict as a response to unethical management behavior and injustice
- Radicalist don't think the conflict is resolvable given the difference in interests
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