Task: systematically connect with the often-hidden political frame (for example, sources of power, alliances, and networks). Describe a situation where the political frame gives you a way to understand what happened, and what might be done about it.
1. Describe the incident.
2. Identify the political element(s) that help explain the incident.
3. Analyze the outcome, and if appropriate, suggest a different approach.
Paper requirements:
3 pages. Must utilize Apa 7 edition format. Utilize concepts from Bolman and Deal chapters.
Note for the writer: Please follow the outline and task directives. I have outlined the paper based on the problem that should be discussed throughout the essay through the political frame. Please do not utilize outside sources. You should only utilize the attached readings for reference. When elaborating on the problem and each part, please make sure it aligns with the political frame. Use at least two direct quotes from the chapters that are relevant to the statement/problem.
1. Introduction
· Brief overview of the incident involving the lack of structured onboarding processes and the reliance on tenure employees for training new hires without outlined support.
· Importance of understanding the hidden political elements within organizational processes.
2. Describe the Incident
Detail the scenario at
Company X where new employees are informally trained by tenure employees. Company X is a College Office aimed at assisting current college students through academic and career advisement, in addition to social services, to assist the needs of the whole student, holistically. During the time I started working at company X, there was no formal onboarding process, I was required to read a book, attend meet and greets and have various check-ins with my supervisor throughout the first few weeks.
Highlight the consequences of this approach, including burdening existing employees as they often get selected to facilitate additional tasks outside of their jurdistiction, perpetuating power imbalances as some tenure employees that have been selected to train individuals have formed alliances with leadership in the office.
3. Identify the Political Element(s)
Sources of Power: Analyze how tenure employees’ control of knowledge and resources contributes to their influence throughout collaborative projects.
Alliances: Discuss how informal training arrangements lead to the formation of alliances among tenure employees, potentially marginalizing others.
Networks: Explore how the informal onboarding process reinforces existing networks within the office affecting the integration of new employees.
4. Analyze the Outcome
Impact on Organizational Dynamics: Evaluate the consequences of the incident on organizational culture, employee morale, and productivity.
(This has created a burden on tenure employees as they are often selected for impromptu tasks, taking time away from their student meetings, elaborate on this). Tenure emplyees are also not compensated for their involevement in onboarding processes for new hires, however, it is not framed as an option when selected by leadership.
Perpetuation of Power Imbalances: Discuss how the reliance on tenure employees for training perpetuates existing power imbalances within the office.
Implications for Decision-Making: Analyze how hidden political dynamics influence decision-making processes and team dynamics in the office.
5. Suggest a Different Approach
Formalize Onboarding Processes: Propose the implementation of structured onboarding programs to reduce reliance on individual tenure employees.
Promote Knowledge Sharing: Recommend initiatives to encourage knowledge sharing among employees through formal channels.
Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Advocate for transparency in decision-making processes and mechanisms for accountability to address power dynamics.
Diversify Training Sources: Suggest diversifying training sources to include a broader range of perspectives and expertise.
6. Conclusion
Recap key findings regarding the hidden political dynamics of onboarding.
Emphasize the importance of addressing these dynamics to promote effectiveness and inclusivity.
Call for further research into the intersection of HR practices and politics.
