Organisational politics in cape coast polytechnic: Causes, prevention and management

Abstract

Organisational politics plays a large role in how most organisations function and develop. Thus, organisational politics is an unavoidable factor at the workplace, and has so many influences on the affairs and behaviour of employees in an organisation. It is in recognition of these facts that an effort was made in this research to find out the causes, prevention and management of organisational politics in Cape Coast Polytechnic. The target population for the study consisted of employees (teaching and non-teaching staff) of the Cape Coast Polytechnic. Stratified random sampling method was used in selecting both the teaching and non-teaching staff. Questionnaires as well as structured interviews were used to gather data from respondents. Statistical tools used to analyse the data included frequencies, percentages, means and T-tests. The findings revealed that unclear job descriptions, power struggle, favouritism, competition and inadequate information were responsible for organisational politics in Cape Coast Polytechnic. It was concluded that organisational politics, if not managed appropriately could create a hostile organisational environment which would hamper the growth of the organisation. It was therefore recommended that both Management and employees set aside their personal interests and go along with the mission and vision of the organisation for the achievement of stated goals.