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Ob Assignment

The document explores organizational behavior, focusing on power dynamics, political behavior, and organizational culture. It defines power as the capacity to influence and politics as the use of that power, detailing sources and contingencies of power, reasons for political behavior, and strategies for managing it. Understanding these concepts is essential for fostering effective workplaces and minimizing conflicts.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2 views15 pages

Ob Assignment

The document explores organizational behavior, focusing on power dynamics, political behavior, and organizational culture. It defines power as the capacity to influence and politics as the use of that power, detailing sources and contingencies of power, reasons for political behavior, and strategies for managing it. Understanding these concepts is essential for fostering effective workplaces and minimizing conflicts.

Uploaded by

eyobgenene16
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………no

1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………I

1. Part One: Organizational Power and Politics……………………………………………….1

1.1 Meaning of Power and Politics…………………………………………………………1

1.2 Sources and Contingencies of Power……………………………………………………2

1.3 Reasons for Political Behavior…………………………………………………………. 4

1.4 Managing Political Behavior…………………………………………………………….8

2. Part Two: Organizational Culture and Diversity……………………………………………8

2.1 Definition of Organizational Culture……………………………………………………8

2.2 Features of Organizational Culture ……………………………………………………..9

2.3 Organizational Culture and Performance……………………………………………….10

2.4 Organizational Socialization ………………………………………………………….. 11

3. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….14

. Introduction

Organizational behavior (OB) examines how individuals and groups interact within an organization,
influencing its effectiveness. This assignment explores two critical aspects of OB: power and politics and
organizational culture and diversity. Power dynamics shape decision-making, while political behavior
impacts resource allocation. Organizational culture, on the other hand, defines shared values and norms
that drive employee behavior and performance. Understanding these concepts helps managers foster
productive workplaces and mitigate conflicts.

Part One- Organizational Power and Politics

Meaning of power and politics

• Definition: Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others, to get someone to do something
they would not otherwise do. It represents the potential for influence.

• Key Aspects:

• Potential Influence: Power is not necessarily the act of influencing, but the capacity to do so. A person
can have power without actively using it.

• Dependence: Power depends on others. For someone to have power, others must be dependent on
them for something (resources, information, support, etc.).

• Asymmetrical Relationship: Power implies an unequal relationship between the power holder and the
target of influence.

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• Context-Specific: Power is often specific to a particular situation or domain. Someone might have
power in one area but not in another.

• Not Inherently Good or Bad: Power itself is neither inherently good nor bad. It can be used for
constructive or destructive purposes.

Politics: It refers to the use of power to affect decision-making in an organization, often to acquire,
maintain, or enhance one's position or influence. It involves activities that are not required as part of
one's formal role but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and
disadvantages within the organization.

• Key Aspects:

• Influence: Politics is about actively trying to influence decisions, resource allocation, or other
organizational outcomes.

• Self-Serving (Often): Political behavior is often, but not always, motivated by self-interest or the
interests of a particular group or faction. It can involve coalition-building, networking, and other tactics
to gain advantage.

• Informal: Politics often operates through informal channels and networks, outside of formal
organizational structures and procedures.

• Ambiguity: Political behavior is often more likely to occur in situations characterized by ambiguity,
uncertainty, or scarce resources.

• Can Be Constructive or Destructive: While often viewed negatively, politics can sometimes be used to
challenge the status quo, promote innovation, or advocate for important causes.

• Perception Matters: Whether an action is perceived as "political" often depends on the observer's
point of view and their assessment of the actor's motives.

Distinguishing Power and Politics:

• Power is the capacity to influence; politics is the use of that capacity to influence decisions and it is a
process.

• Power is a necessary condition for politics to occur. Without power, there can be no political behavior.

Examples:

• Power: A CEO has legitimate power by virtue of their position. They have the ability to influence the
decisions of subordinates.

• Politics: A manager lobbies for a larger budget for their department, using networking and persuasion
to gain support from key stakeholders. This is an example of using power (or attempting to gain it) to
influence resource allocation.

In essence, power is the potential to influence, while politics is the actual use of that potential, often in
ways that are not strictly prescribed by formal organizational rules. Understanding both power and
politics is crucial for navigating the complexities of organizational life.

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Sources and contingencies of power in an organization

Sources of power can generally be categorized into two main types: formal power (stemming from an
individual's position) and personal power (stemming from an individual's characteristics). Relational
power, a third category, describes power derived from connections. Here's a breakdown:

1. Formal Power: This type of power is derived from an individual's position or role within the
organizational hierarchy.

• Legitimate Power: Power derived from a formal position in the organization. It's the authority that
comes with a job title or role.

• Example: A manager has the legitimate power to assign tasks, make decisions within their area of
responsibility, and evaluate employee performance.

• Reward Power: Power based on the ability to distribute rewards, both tangible (e.g., bonuses,
promotions) and intangible (e.g., praise, recognition).

• Example: A supervisor who can recommend employees for salary increases or promotions has reward
power.

• Coercive Power: Power based on the ability to punish or threaten punishment. This can involve
disciplinary actions, demotions, or termination.

• Example: A manager who can issue warnings, suspensions, or terminations has coercive power. It is
often considered the least desirable form of power, as it can create a negative work environment.

• Information Power: Power derived from access to and control over important information.

• Example: An executive assistant who controls access to the CEO's schedule and communications has
information power.

2. Personal Power: This type of power stems from an individual's unique characteristics and
relationships.

• Expert Power: Power based on specialized knowledge, skills, or expertise.

• Example: A software engineer with deep technical expertise has expert power when it comes to
making decisions about software development.

• Referent Power: Power based on personal charisma, attractiveness, or the ability to inspire admiration
and loyalty. People identify with and want to be like the person with referent power.

• Example: A charismatic leader who can motivate and inspire employees has referent power.

3. Relational Power (Network Power): This describes how power flows through relationships.

• Centrality: People in central positions in social networks have a great deal of power; they often can
perform a "gatekeeping" function by passing-or failing to pass-important information.

• Relevance: Power is enhanced when a person is viewed as relevant, or as being essential to the
success of the organization and its various parts.

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• Autonomy: The amount of freedom that a decision maker has to make choices without fear of
punishment.

• Visibility: How visible the person is.

Contingencies of Power in an Organization:

The effectiveness and importance of each source of power depend on several contextual factors, or
contingencies. These contingencies determine how easily power can be wielded and how much impact it
will have. Key contingencies include:

• Substitutability:The degree to which other resources or capabilities can substitute for a given source of
power. If a resource or skill is easily replaced, the power derived from it is diminished.

• Example: If multiple employees have the same specialized knowledge, the expert power of any one
individual is reduced.

• Centrality: The importance of the individual or group to the workflow and success of the organization.
The more critical a person's role or function, the more power they wield.

• Example: An employee who controls a critical supply chain link has more power than an employee in
a more peripheral role.

The degree to which the individual or group has autonomy and freedom of action. The more discretion a
person has, the more power they can exercise.

• Example: A manager who has the authority to make independent decisions without needing approval
from higher-ups has more power.

• Visibility: The extent to which the power holder’s influence is apparent to others. The more visible a
person's actions and achievements, the more likely they are to be recognized as powerful.

• Example: A project leader who is frequently recognized for their successes in company-wide
communications has greater visibility and, therefore, more power.

• Resource Scarcity: Lack of available resources. In any company, limited resources (money, space,
personnel) means more resources are wielded by the people in power.

Example: Project leaders wanting to start new iniatives compete by showing their "political skill",
negotiating and convincing decision makers to choose their project.

In summary:

Power in organizations is a complex interplay of formal authority, personal characteristics, and


contextual factors. The most effective individuals and groups are those who can cultivate multiple
sources of power and adapt their influence strategies to the specific contingencies of the situation. By
understanding these dynamics, you can better navigate the organizational landscape and achieve your
goals.

Reasons for political behavior;

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Political behavior, in this context, refers to activities that are not formally required as part of one's role
but that influence, or attempt to influence, the distribution of advantages and disadvantages within the
organization. It's important to note that while "political" often has negative connotations, it's not always
inherently bad. It can be a way to advocate for change or challenge the status quo.

Here are the key reasons behind political behavior, categorized into individual factors and organizational
factors:

I. Individual Factors:These are characteristics and motivations inherent to individuals that make them
more prone to engaging in political behavior:

• High Need for Power: Individuals with a strong desire to influence others and control resources are
more likely to engage in political tactics to gain power and achieve their goals. This need can stem from
a desire for status, control, or simply the satisfaction of exercising influence.

• Machiavellianism: This personality trait is characterized by a pragmatic, manipulative, and


emotionally detached approach to interpersonal relationships. High Machs are skilled at using deception
and coercion to achieve their objectives, and they are less concerned with ethical considerations.

• High Self-Monitoring: Individuals who are high self-monitors are adept at reading social cues and
adapting their behavior to fit the situation. They are more likely to engage in political behavior because
they can effectively assess the political landscape and tailor their tactics accordingly.

• Internal Locus of Control: People with an internal locus of control believe that they can control their
own destiny and that their actions have a direct impact on outcomes. They are more likely to engage in
political behavior because they believe they can influence the organization to their benefit.

• Risk Propensity: Individuals who are comfortable taking risks are more likely to engage in political
behavior, as it often involves uncertainty and the potential for negative consequences.

• Investment in the Organization: Those who have spent a long time at a company and invested their
career in the success are more likely to exhibit political behavior, since they are invested in the success.

II. Organizational Factors:

These are characteristics of the organizational environment that create opportunities and incentives for
political behavior:

• Scarcity of Resources: When resources (e.g., funding, promotions, office space) are limited,
individuals and groups are more likely to compete for them, leading to political maneuvering.

• Ambiguity and Uncertainty: In the absence of clear rules, procedures, and performance metrics,
individuals have more room to interpret situations in their own favor and engage in political tactics to
influence outcomes.

• Subjective Performance Evaluations: When performance evaluations are based on subjective criteria,
there is greater potential for bias and favoritism, which can encourage political behavior to curry favor
with superiors.

• Zero-Sum Reward Systems: Systems where one person's gain is another person's loss (e.g., a limited
number of promotions) incentivize political behavior to secure a larger share of the pie.

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• Democratic Decision Making: While participation in decision-making is generally positive, it can also
create opportunities for political maneuvering as individuals and groups compete to influence the
outcome.

• High Performance Pressure: When employees are under intense pressure to meet demanding
targets, they may resort to political tactics to protect their jobs or achieve bonuses.

• Organizational Change: Periods of significant change (e.g., mergers, restructurings) create uncertainty
and power shifts, which can trigger increased political behavior as individuals attempt to protect their
interests or advance their positions.

• Lack of Trust and Fairness:

When employees perceive that the organization is unfair or that trust is lacking, they may engage in
political behavior to level the playing field or protect themselves from perceived injustices.

• High Turnover of Senior Management: When there are leadership changes at the top, people will
want to take advantage of the new power structure, and will engage in "political behavior".

Important Considerations:

• Interaction Effects: Individual and organizational factors often interact to influence political behavior.
For example, a high-Mach individual in an organization with scarce resources is particularly likely to
engage in political tactics.

• Perceptions Matter: The perception of political behavior is subjective. What one person considers to
be a legitimate attempt to influence decisions, another may view as manipulative or self-serving.

• Culture: Organizational culture can play a significant role in shaping political behavior. Some cultures
tolerate or even encourage political maneuvering, while others discourage it.

Understanding the underlying reasons for political behavior is essential for managers to create a more
transparent, fair, and productive work environment. By addressing the organizational factors that
contribute to political maneuvering, leaders can minimize its negative consequences and foster a culture
of collaboration and trust.

Managing political behavior

Managing political behavior in organizations is a crucial task for leaders aiming to create a fair,
transparent, and productive work environment. The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate all political
activity, as some level of influence and negotiation is inevitable, but rather to minimize its negative
consequences and channel it toward constructive ends.

Here are some effective strategies for managing political behavior:

1. Establish Clear and Transparent Rules and Procedures:

• Rationale: Ambiguity and uncertainty create opportunities for political maneuvering. Clear and well-
defined rules reduce ambiguity and make it more difficult for individuals to manipulate the system to
their advantage.

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• Develop and communicate clear policies on decision-making, resource allocation, performance
evaluations, and promotion processes.

• Ensure that these policies are consistently applied across the organization.

• Regularly review and update policies to address emerging issues and prevent loopholes.

2. Promote Open Communication and Information Sharing:

• Rationale: Information is a source of power. By sharing information openly and transparently, leaders
can reduce the information advantage held by certain individuals or groups, limiting their ability to
engage in political tactics.

• Foster a culture of open dialogue and feedback.

• Use regular communication channels (e.g., meetings, newsletters, intranet) to keep employees
informed about important decisions, initiatives, and organizational performance.

• Encourage employees to share their ideas and concerns openly.

3. Implement Objective Performance Evaluations:

• Rationale: Subjective performance evaluations are prone to bias and favoritism, creating opportunities
for political behavior to influence ratings. Objective evaluations based on measurable results reduce the
potential for manipulation.

• Develop clear and measurable performance goals.

• Use multiple sources of data (e.g., self-assessments, peer reviews, customer feedback) to evaluate
performance.

• Train managers on how to conduct fair and unbiased performance evaluations.

• Provide regular feedback to employees on their performance.

4. Balance Power Distribution:

• Rationale: Concentrated power can create opportunities for abuse and political maneuvering.
Distributing power more equitably reduces the ability of any one individual or group to dominate
decision-making.

• Empower employees at all levels of the organization.

• Encourage cross-functional teams and collaboration.

• Delegate decision-making authority to those closest to the work.

5. Establish Fair and Transparent Resource Allocation Mechanisms:

• Rationale: Competition for scarce resources is a major driver of political behavior. By establishing clear
and transparent criteria for resource allocation, leaders can reduce the potential for manipulation and
perceptions of unfairness.

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• Develop a formal budgeting process that involves input from multiple stakeholders.

• Use objective criteria to allocate resources based on strategic priorities and performance.

• Communicate the rationale behind resource allocation decisions.

6. Promote Ethical Leadership:

• Rationale: Leaders who act with integrity and demonstrate a commitment to fairness set a positive
example for the rest of the organization.

• Leaders should be role models for ethical behavior.

• Establish a code of conduct that outlines ethical expectations.

• Provide ethics training to employees.

• Create mechanisms for reporting unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.

7. Foster a Culture of Trust and Fairness:

• Rationale: When employees trust their leaders and believe that the organization is fair, they are less
likely to engage in political behavior.

• Be transparent and honest in communications.

• Treat all employees with respect and dignity.

• Address complaints and concerns promptly and fairly.

• Recognize and reward ethical behavior.

8. Encourage Employee Voice and Participation:

• Rationale: Giving employees a voice in decisions that affect them can reduce feelings of powerlessness
and the need to resort to political tactics.

• Solicit employee feedback on policies and procedures.

• Create opportunities for employees to participate in decision-making.

• Empower employees to challenge the status quo.

9. Be Aware and Address Political Behavior Directly:

• Rationale: Ignoring political behavior can send the message that it is acceptable. Leaders need to be
aware of political dynamics and address inappropriate behavior directly.

• Observe interactions and communication patterns to identify potential political maneuvering.

• Confront individuals who are engaging in unethical or disruptive political behavior.

• Take appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.

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By implementing these strategies, leaders can create a more equitable and productive work
environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. It
is important to remember that managing political behavior is an ongoing process that requires vigilance,
consistency, and a commitment to ethical leadership.

Part Two- Organizational Culture and Diversity

Definition of Organization culture

Organizational culture, there are many definitions, but here's a comprehensive one that captures the
key elements:

Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, assumptions, norms, and artifacts that characterize
an organization and guide the behavior of its members. It represents the collective understanding of
"how we do things around here" and influences how employees perceive, think, and act within the
organization.

Here's a breakdown of the key components of this definition:

• Shared Values: These are the fundamental principles and ideals that the organization considers
important. They represent what the organization stands for and what it believes in. Examples include
integrity, innovation, customer service, teamwork, and social responsibility. Shared values guide
decision-making and provide a sense of purpose.

• Beliefs: These are the assumptions and understandings that members hold about the organization, its
environment, and its future. Beliefs shape perceptions and expectations. For example, employees might
believe that hard work leads to success, or that the organization is committed to employee
development.

• Assumptions: These are the deeply ingrained and often unconscious beliefs that members hold about
the nature of reality, human nature, and relationships. Assumptions are the most fundamental and
difficult-to-change aspect of culture. For example, an organization might have an underlying assumption
that employees are inherently trustworthy or, conversely, that they need to be closely supervised.

• Norms: These are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within the organization.
Norms dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable conduct. Examples include dress codes,
communication styles, meeting protocols, and work habits. Norms enforce conformity and maintain
social order.

• Artifacts: These are the visible and tangible manifestations of the organization's culture. Artifacts can
include physical objects (e.g., office layout, logos, dress codes), rituals and ceremonies (e.g., award
ceremonies, team-building events), stories and legends (e.g., tales of heroic employees, company
founders), and language (e.g., jargon, slogans). Artifacts provide clues about the underlying values,
beliefs, and assumptions.

Key characteristics of Organizational Culture:

• Shared: Culture is a collective phenomenon; it is shared among members of the organization.

• Learned: Culture is not innate; it is learned through socialization processes and interactions with other
members.

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• Implicit: Many aspects of culture are tacit and unwritten; they are learned through observation and
experience.

• Trans generational: Culture is transmitted from one generation of employees to the next, ensuring
continuity and stability.

• Influential: Culture has a powerful influence on employee attitudes, behaviors, and performance.

• Evolving: Culture is dynamic and can change over time in response to internal and external forces.

In short, organizational culture is the "personality" of an organization. It shapes the way employees
interact with each other, with customers, and with the outside world. A strong and well-aligned culture
can be a source of competitive advantage, while a weak or dysfunctional culture can hinder
performance and create conflict. Understanding and managing organizational culture is a critical task for
leaders seeking to build successful and sustainable organizations.

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Features of Organizational Culture:

• Characteristics: Innovation and risk-taking, attention to detail, outcome orientation, people


orientation, team orientation, aggressiveness, stability.

• Organizational Culture and Performance:

• Relationship: Strong cultures can enhance performance by aligning employees, increasing motivation,
and improving coordination. However, strong cultures can also be dysfunctional if they are rigid,
resistant to change, or promote unethical behavior.

• Key Search Terms: "Organizational culture and performance," "culture-performance relationship,"


"strong cultures," "adaptive cultures," "cultural fit," "cultural change," "cultural alignment."

• Suggested Authors/Theories:

Kotter and Heskett: Culture and Performance

Denison Organizational Culture Survey

Organizational culture and performance

The relationship between organizational culture and performance, there's a significant body of research
linking the two, although the exact nature of the relationship can be complex and nuanced.

The General Relationship: Culture Matters for Performance

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In general, a well-defined and effectively managed organizational culture can have a positive impact on
various aspects of organizational performance. However, not just any culture will do; the type of culture
and its alignment with the organization's strategy, environment, and goals are crucial.

How Organizational Culture Influences Performance:

Here are some key ways in which organizational culture can affect performance:

• Increased Employee Engagement and Motivation: A strong and positive culture can create a sense of
belonging, purpose, and value among employees. This leads to higher levels of engagement, motivation,
and commitment, which translate into improved productivity and performance.

• Improved Collaboration and Communication: A culture that values teamwork, open communication,
and mutual respect can foster better collaboration and coordination among employees, leading to more
efficient and effective problem-solving and decision-making.

• Enhanced Innovation and Creativity: A culture that encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and
learning from mistakes can stimulate innovation and creativity, leading to the development of new
products, services, and processes.

• Stronger Customer Relationships: A culture that prioritizes customer service and satisfaction can
create a more positive customer experience, leading to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.

• Reduced Turnover and Absenteeism: A positive and supportive culture can improve employee morale
and job satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates and reduced absenteeism, which saves the
organization money and maintains continuity.

• Attraction and Retention of Talent: Organizations with strong and desirable cultures are more
attractive to prospective employees and better able to retain their top talent, giving them a competitive
advantage in the labor market.

• Better Strategic Alignment: A culture that is aligned with the organization's strategic goals can ensure
that employees are working towards the same objectives and that their efforts are coordinated and
focused.

It's important to note that the relationship between organizational culture and performance is not
always straightforward. A "strong" culture (one where values are widely shared and intensely held) can
be beneficial, but it can also be detrimental if:

• The Culture is mismatched with the Strategy: A culture that is not aligned with the organization's
strategic goals can actually hinder performance. For example, a highly bureaucratic and rule-oriented
culture might stifle innovation in an organization that needs to be agile and responsive to changing
market conditions.

• The Culture Becomes Rigid and Resistant to Change: A culture that is too strong and inflexible can
become resistant to new ideas and ways of doing things, making it difficult for the organization to adapt
to changing environmental conditions.

• The Culture Promotes Unethical Behavior: A strong culture can reinforce unethical behavior if the
organization's values are not aligned with ethical principles. For example, a culture that prioritizes
profits above all else might encourage employees to engage in illegal or unethical practices.

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• The Culture Stifles Diversity and Inclusion: A culture that is too homogeneous can stifle creativity and
innovation by excluding diverse perspectives and experiences.

Key Models and Frameworks Linking Culture and Performance:

• Denison Organizational Culture Model: This model identifies four key cultural traits that are linked to
organizational performance: involvement, consistency, adaptability, and mission.

• Competing Values Framework: This framework identifies four dominant culture types: clan, adhocracy,
hierarchy, and market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

• Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI): This tool helps organizations assess their
dominant culture type based on the Competing Values Framework.

Best Practices for Building a High-Performing Culture:

• Define a Clear and Compelling Vision: Articulate a clear and inspiring vision for the future that aligns
with the organization's values and goals.

• Communicate the Vision and Values Consistently: Regularly communicate the vision and values to
employees through various channels.

• Lead by Example: Leaders must model the desired behaviors and values.

• Hire and Promote Individuals Who Fit the Culture: Select employees who share the organization's
values and are likely to thrive in its culture.

• Provide Training and Development: Equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to
succeed in the organization's culture.

• Recognize and Reward Desired Behaviors: Reinforce the desired culture by recognizing and rewarding
employees who exemplify its values.

• Monitor and Adapt the Culture: Regularly assess the organization's culture and make adjustments as
needed to ensure that it remains aligned with the strategic goals and environmental conditions.

In summary, a strong and well-managed organizational culture can be a powerful driver of performance.
However, it's crucial to ensure that the culture is aligned with the organization's strategy, environment,
and values, and that it remains adaptable and inclusive. Effective leaders understand the importance of
culture and actively work to shape it in ways that support organizational success.

Organizational socialization

Organizational Socialization is the process by which new employees learn the attitudes, knowledge,
skills, and behaviors required to function effectively as members of an organization. It's the mechanism
through which individuals acquire the social knowledge and skills necessary to assume their roles and
participate as organizational members. It's a two-way street: the organization imparts its values and
norms, and the individual adapts and integrates into the existing culture.

Key Goals of Organizational Socialization:

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• Impart the Organization's Culture: To ensure that new employees understand and embrace the
organization's values, beliefs, assumptions, and norms.

• Reduce Uncertainty: To help new employees feel comfortable and confident in their roles by providing
them with the information and support they need to succeed.

• Foster Commitment: To build a sense of belonging and loyalty to the organization, encouraging
employees to stay and contribute their best work.

• Develop Competence: To equip new employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform
their jobs effectively.

• Promote Role Clarity: To ensure that new employees understand their responsibilities, expectations,
and reporting relationships.

Stages of Organizational Socialization (A Common Model):

One widely used model describes three stages of organizational socialization:

• 1. Pre-Arrival Stage: This stage encompasses all the learning and preparation that occurs before the
new employee actually joins the organization. It includes:

• Information Gathering: Learning about the organization's reputation, products, services, and culture
through online research, news articles, and word-of-mouth.

• Expectation Formation: Developing initial expectations about the job, the work environment, and the
people they will be working with.

• Self-Assessment: Evaluating their own skills, values, and goals to determine whether they are a good
fit for the organization.

• 2. Encounter Stage: This stage begins when the new employee starts working and confronts the reality
of the organization. It involves:

• Reality Shock: Discovering that the organization is not exactly as they expected it to be. This can
involve surprises, disappointments, and challenges.

• Role Clarification: Seeking to understand their specific responsibilities, expectations, and


performance standards.

• Building Relationships: Forming connections with coworkers, supervisors, and mentors.

• Learning the Ropes: Acquiring the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to perform their job
effectively.

• 3. Metamorphosis Stage: This stage represents the final transition into a fully integrated member of
the organization. It involves:

• Internalization: Accepting the organization's values, beliefs, and norms as their own.

• Commitment: Developing a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to the organization.

• Competence: Achieving a high level of performance in their job.

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• Role Management: Adjusting their role to fit their own skills and interests while meeting the
organization's needs.

Socialization Tactics (How Organizations Socialize):

Organizations use various tactics to socialize new employees. These tactics can be categorized along
several dimensions:

• Formal: Structured and planned programs, such as orientation sessions, training programs, and
mentoring assignments.

• Informal: Unstructured and spontaneous interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and mentors.

• Individual vs. Collective:

• Individual: Socializing new employees one-on-one.

• Collective: Socializing new employees in groups

• Sequential vs. Random:

• Sequential: A fixed series of steps or stages.

• Random: Unstructured and unpredictable, with no fixed sequence of events.

• Fixed: Provides a specific timetable for completing each stage of the socialization process.

• Variable: Does not provide a clear timetable, leaving the pace of socialization up to the individual.

• Serial: Relies on experienced members of the organization to serve as role models or mentors for
new employees.

• Disjunctive: Does not provide role models, leaving new employees to figure things out on their own.

• Investiture vs. Divestiture:

• Investiture: Affirms the new employee's existing skills, values, and identity.

• Divestiture: Attempts to strip away the new employee's existing characteristics and replace them
with the organizations. This tactic is often used in military or religious organizations.

Importance of Organizational Socialization:

Effective organizational socialization is crucial for:

• Employee Retention: Well-socialized employees are more likely to stay with the organization.

• Job Satisfaction: When the reality matches the expectations, you have a higher satisfaction.

• Performance: Good socialization leads to better employee performance.

• Organizational Commitment: Integration with the values and culture improves organizational
commitment.

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• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Socialized Employees have less stress.

• Cultural Preservation: Socializing a new employee means more longevity for organizational culture.

By understanding the stages and tactics of organizational socialization, organizations can create more
effective onboarding programs that help new employees integrate quickly, develop a strong sense of
belonging, and contribute their best work. It benefits both the employee and the overall success of the
business. If the entire history of your dialogue is important to you (there will be an increased
consumption of tokens) - click"Continue", if you want to save tokens and the context of previous
messages is not important - click "Reset dialog history" - the memory will be reset and the token
consumption will start again from 0.

Conclusion :

Power, politics, culture, and diversity are intertwined in shaping organizational success. Effective
managers leverage power ethically, mitigate political conflicts, and cultivate inclusive cultures to drive
performance. By understanding these dynamics, organizations can adapt to challenges and foster
sustainable growth.

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