A coalition is a temporary alliance or partnership formed between two or more individuals, groups, or organizations to achieve a common goal or purpose, often in the context of organizational politics and decision-making.
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Coalitions are formed to leverage collective resources, influence, and power to achieve a desired outcome that may not be possible for a single individual or group.
Coalitions can be formal or informal, temporary or long-lasting, and may involve both internal and external stakeholders.
The formation and maintenance of coalitions often involve strategic bargaining, negotiation, and compromise among members with different interests and priorities.
Coalitions can be used to overcome resistance, gain support, or influence decision-making processes within an organization.
The dynamics and stability of a coalition can be influenced by factors such as the alignment of interests, the distribution of power, and the ability to manage conflicts and maintain trust among members.
Review Questions
Explain how coalitions can be used to influence organizational decision-making.
Coalitions can be used to influence organizational decision-making by leveraging the collective resources, influence, and power of multiple individuals or groups. By forming alliances, coalition members can overcome resistance, gain support, and exert pressure on decision-makers to achieve their preferred outcomes. The strategic use of bargaining, negotiation, and compromise among coalition members can help them navigate the political landscape and navigate the complex decision-making processes within an organization.
Describe the factors that can contribute to the formation and stability of a coalition.
The formation and stability of a coalition can be influenced by several factors, including the alignment of interests among members, the distribution of power within the coalition, and the ability to manage conflicts and maintain trust. Coalitions are more likely to form when members have a shared goal or purpose, and they can leverage their collective resources and influence to achieve that goal. However, coalitions can be fragile, and their stability can be affected by power dynamics, competing interests, and the ability of members to effectively negotiate and compromise.
Analyze the role of organizational politics in the formation and dynamics of coalitions.
Organizational politics play a significant role in the formation and dynamics of coalitions. Coalitions often arise as a result of the informal, self-interested, actions and behaviors that occur within an organization, as individuals or groups seek to acquire, develop, and use power and resources to achieve their preferred outcomes. The political landscape of an organization can influence the way coalitions are formed, the strategies used to maintain them, and the power dynamics that shape their interactions. Understanding the role of organizational politics is crucial in analyzing the formation, maintenance, and impact of coalitions within an organizational context.
Related terms
Bargaining: The process of negotiation and compromise between parties with different interests to reach an agreement.
The informal, often self-interested, actions and behaviors that occur within an organization to acquire, develop, and use power and other resources to obtain one's preferred outcomes.