Legitimate and illegitimate political behavior refer to actions taken by individuals or groups within an organization to influence decision-making processes or outcomes.
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These behaviors can have varying degrees of acceptability and ethical considerations within the organizational context:
- Legitimate Political Behavior:
- Definition: Legitimate political behavior refers to actions that are consistent with organizational policies, procedures, and norms. These behaviors are typically sanctioned and accepted within the organization’s formal structure.
- Examples: Seeking support from influential stakeholders, lobbying for resources or support for a project, forming coalitions or alliances, participating in formal decision-making processes, and advocating for organizational goals or interests.
- Characteristics:
- Aligned with organizational goals: Legitimate political behavior aims to further organizational objectives and interests.
- Conforms to established norms: These behaviors adhere to formal rules, policies, and procedures within the organization.
- Transparent and above-board: Legitimate political behavior is generally transparent and does not involve deception or unethical tactics.
- Implications: Legitimate political behavior can contribute to effective organizational functioning by facilitating collaboration, negotiation, and compromise among stakeholders.
- Illegitimate Political Behavior:
- Definition: Illegitimate political behavior refers to actions that violate organizational norms, policies, or ethical standards. These behaviors are typically considered unethical, deceptive, or manipulative.
- Examples: Sabotaging a colleague’s work, spreading rumors or misinformation, withholding information for personal gain, engaging in favoritism or nepotism, and using coercive tactics to influence decision-making.
- Characteristics:
- Contrary to organizational values: Illegitimate political behavior undermines organizational values, trust, and integrity.
- Violates norms or rules: These behaviors breach formal or informal norms, policies, or ethical standards within the organization.
- Often secretive or deceptive: Illegitimate political behavior may involve deceit, manipulation, or exploitation of power differentials.
- Implications: Illegitimate political behavior can erode trust, morale, and cohesion within the organization, leading to conflicts, disengagement, and reduced organizational effectiveness.
In summary, legitimate political behavior involves actions that align with organizational norms and objectives, while illegitimate political behavior violates these norms and undermines organizational integrity. Organizations strive to promote ethical and transparent political behavior while addressing and mitigating instances of illegitimate behavior through clear policies, ethical leadership, and a culture of accountability and integrity.