Date of Completion
12-30-2018
Document Type
Open Access Capstone
Degree Name
Master of Education (MEd)
First Advisor
Carol Ann Sharicz
Abstract
Politics play a role in almost every organization – churches, schools, sports teams, and even volunteer organizations. However, the place where politics can directly impact people on a daily basis is the workplace.
Literature on organizational politics has historically focused on a negative view of politics. More recently, however, researchers have discovered that workplace politics is not inherently negative and can even include positive traits. This shift primarily began with the work of Gotsis and Kortezi in 2010 and 2011. As researchers sought to expand the perspective, they argued that organizational politics has the potential to be positive, as well.
This study examines organizational politics, including the beliefs and experiences of employees from a large, multinational consumer package goods company based in New England. Study participants had varying views on organizational politics and workplace gossip, including whether the terms are negative, neutral, or positive.
The study also suggested practical implications regarding organizational politics, including ways organizations can mitigate the negative aspects and enhance the positive characteristics of internal politics.
Recommended Citation
Soares, Laura Porter, "Organizational Politics: Harmful or Helpful?" (2018). Instructional Design Capstones Collection. 44.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/instruction_capstone/44