Organizational Behavior - Reflection Paper

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Organizational Behavior: ADMN – 2220

CRITICAL REFLECTION PAPER


Done by : Risit Savani
0753301

1
Abraham Zaleznik's article "Power and Politics in Organizational Life" explores the interplay
between power, politics, and leadership in real-life organizations. He emphasizes that these
concepts are not just abstract ideas but are deeply intertwined with the daily lives of people who
work in organizations. Zaleznik explains that power and politics can be used for both good and
bad, depending on how leaders choose to use them. When used ethically, they can create a sense
of direction and purpose that benefits everyone in the organization. However, when leaders misuse
their power, they can create a toxic work environment that harms the organization and its people.
The article highlights that ethical leadership is crucial to organizational success, as it prioritizes
the common good over personal gain and creates a culture of trust and collaboration. Ultimately,
the article reminds us that the choices that leaders make have a profound impact on the lives of
those they lead, and that ethical behavior is essential to creating fulfilling and meaningful
workplaces.

I chose this article because this article explains how power and politics are inevitable in
organization.

Possible thesis: How does ethical leadership impact organizational success and promote a positive
work culture, as explored in Abraham Zaleznik's article "Power and Politics in Organizational
Life"?
Reference:
Zaleznik, A. (2014, August 1). Power and Politics in Organizational Life. Harvard Business
Review. https://hbr.org/1970/05/power-and-politics-in-organizational-life.

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The article "Power in the Workplace, Finding an Alternative to the Iron Fist" explores the concept
of power in the workplace and offers alternative strategies to the traditional use of authoritarian
power. The author argues that using an "iron fist" approach to leadership, where the leader
exercises strict control and dominance over subordinates, is not effective in the long term and can
lead to negative consequences such as resentment and decreased productivity. Instead, the article
proposes a collaborative approach to power, where leaders engage in open communication,
encourage participation and creativity, and prioritize the well-being of their employees. The author
suggests that this approach can help to build a culture of trust and mutual respect, leading to
increased job satisfaction and better performance. The article also highlights the importance of
recognizing and addressing power imbalances in the workplace, such as those based on gender,
race, or socio-economic status. The author argues that by creating a more inclusive and equitable
workplace, organizations can foster a sense of belonging and create a positive work environment
for all employees. Overall, the article suggests that by adopting a collaborative and inclusive
approach to power, leaders can create a more positive and effective workplace culture that benefits
both employees and the organization as a whole.

This article was chosen because I was intrigued to explore various forms of power in workplace.

Possible Thesis: How can a collaborative and inclusive approach to power be used to promote a
positive work culture and increase organizational effectiveness, as proposed in "Power in the
Workplace, Finding an Alternative to the Iron Fist"?

Reference:

Terry, O. (2020). Power in the Workplace, Finding an Alternative to the Iron Fist. Open Journal
of Leadership, 09(02), 97–112. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojl.2020.92007.

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The pandemic has completely changed the way workers and bosses relate to each other, with
workers becoming more empowered in the workplace. They are now able to negotiate remote work
arrangements, prioritize their work-life balance, and demand better working conditions. This shift
has forced bosses to reconsider their leadership style and become more empathetic and
collaborative. They are investing in their employees' development, offering more flexibility, and
creating a more inclusive work environment. These changes have been welcomed by many
workers, who feel more valued and respected in their jobs. However, there are also challenges that
come with this shift in power, such as bosses feeling threatened and workers feeling too
empowered. Striking the right balance between authority and empowerment is crucial for everyone
to thrive. By adopting a more collaborative and inclusive leadership style, bosses can foster a
positive and supportive work environment that benefits all employees. It's a work in progress, but
the pandemic has provided an opportunity for positive change in the workplace.

I wanted to explore how the pandemic has changed the orthodox concept of power, hence I chose
this article

Possible thesis: How has the pandemic transformed the power dynamic between workers and
bosses, and what are the benefits and challenges of this shift?

Reference:
Christian, A. (n.d.). Where the boss-worker power struggle goes next. BBC Worklife.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220912-where-the-boss-worker-power-struggle-
goes-next.

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