Internal Politics

Internal politics in the Organization-Water line in the Organization-The following event is useful for

taking a look....

Internal Politics It is sometimes said that all large organizations have internal politics. This may be true, but it should

not be excused. If you are in control, do everything you can to make sure you are not creating an

environment where internal politics fester. And if you’re not in control, do not be party to them.

Internal politics not only are damaging to the individual, but can also be detrimental to the

organization itself, as in the following case.

In a particular publishing company regular editorial meetings were held, at which editors had to

convince the sales and marketing departments that any book they had been offered by an author, and

which they liked, could be promoted effectively and sold in sufficient quantities to make publication

worthwhile. Unfortunately this company suffered from an old-fashioned hierarchy system and the

heads of departments took the view that the people who worked under them should do as they

were told and keep their opinions to themselves. In other words, positive communication was not

encouraged.

On one occasion a book came up for discussion and some of the more junior members of staff were

enthusiastic about it. The marketing director immediately put them in their place and persuaded the

meeting to reject the book, arguing that the author was unknown and the subject was ‘dicey’.

The book was The Day of the Jackal. It was quickly snapped up by another publisher. It became a

worldwide bestseller, a hugely successful film, and the author went on to become one the world’s

leading writers of fiction. If only that sales director had been prepared to listen to his staff, rather than

regard them as a threat.

This story illustrates just how important it is that senior management should have the support of the

workforce, and vice versa. If this is not the case, the business will suffer. Positive interpersonal

communication at all levels is essential. I will say it again, people don’t leave companies, they

leave people.

Source: Communicate to win, RICHARD DENNY