Organizational Politics and Productivity in the Public Sector

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of power and politics in the public sector, Nigeria. Qualitative research methodology was chosen to study the Power Holding Company Nigeria (PHCN). The company's representatives were interviewed to generate data relevant to the objective of this study. Research found that; power applied positively in line with organizational policy increases productivity. Productivity increases due to interpersonal relationship among employees and personal initiative. Power applied negatively decreases organizational productivity due to employees' victimization, causing them not giving the best of their input as desired for organizational survival. Again, it results to conflict among employees which can lower productivity. Due to struggle for power, factions are formed leading to negligence of responsibility which invariably lowers organizational productivity. On the issue of politics, study also found that; good political behavior increases productivity of the organization, because everyone is carried along (individual, group and organization) interest are represented, therefore there is no room for chaos or rancor that can bring conflict among employees. On the other hand, bad political behavior reduces productivity by disrupting interpersonal relation among employees, information sharing, and organizational functions. Politics is a lubricant that oils an organization's internal gears, apply the proper lubricant things work fine, and forget to lubricate it, your organization will grind to a halt. Study concludes that organizational politics can be dealt with, if managers should shun or control any political behavior that can sabotage organizational interest rather than individual interest. Key Terms: Power, Organizational Politics, Influence, Motivation and Behavior.