Organisational Behaviour: Influence of Culture, Politics and Power

This document discusses the influence of an organisation's culture, politics, and power on individual and team behaviour and performance. It also evaluates content and process theories of motivation. The case study focuses on Arcadia Group Ltd, a British multinational retailing company.

Organisational
Behaviour

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Analyse how an organisation’s culture, politics and power influence individual and team
behaviour and performance.........................................................................................................1
M1 Critically analyse the impact of culture, politics and power................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P2 Evaluate content and process theories of motivation ............................................................5
M2 Critically evaluate how to influence the behaviour of others by applying behavioural
motivational theories...................................................................................................................7
D1 Critically evaluate the relationship between culture, politics, power and motivation .........7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P3 Explain what makes an effective team as opposed to an ineffective team............................8
M3 Analyse relevant team and group development theories......................................................9
M4. Evaluate how concepts and philosophies of OB influence the behaviour in positive and
negative way..............................................................................................................................11
D2. Critically analyse the relevancy of team development theories and concepts...................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Organisational behaviour refers to the behaviour of individuals and a group of people
within the organisation while performing their roles and responsibilities. The learning of the
organisational behaviour helps the business in understanding and controlling the human
behaviour so that the performance of every individual can be improved. This study will also help
the business in increasing job satisfaction, encouraging effective leadership and promoting
innovation within the business organisation. The selected organisation in this file is Arcadia
Group Ltd. Which is a British multinational retailing company and its headquarters situated in
London and UK. This study will cover about the influence of organisation's culture, politics and
power on individual or team behaviour and performance. Along with this, the different
motivational theories and techniques which helps the business organisation to achieve their
desired goals and objectives in the limited period of time will also discuss in this report.
TASK 1
P1 Analyse how an organisation’s culture, politics and power influence individual and team
behaviour and performance.
In order to attain the higher success and growth in the marketplace an organisation needs
to stay concern for its human resources which are directly and indirectly affected by the
organisational culture, politics and power. The organisation culture refers to the environment of
the business organisation whereas, the power and policies are related to the leadership and
management of the business organisation. The impact of these elements on the individual as well
as whole team is discussing below:
Organisational culture: It refers to the beliefs, values, assumptions and behaviour of all
the members within the organisation. In order to operate all the business activities effectively
business organisation needs to maintain a healthy relationship with their employees, clients and
their stakeholders. The business manager of Arcadia Group can use the Handy's cultural typology
for understanding the culture of the business which are described below:
 Power culture: It represent that type of culture in which the power is centralised among
the single person or a few individuals, usually the founder of the business. This kind of
culture generally seen in the small start-ups in which the founder of the business is single
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person. It might create the tension and stress among the employees as it restricts the
creativity and innovation within the business(Christina and et. al., 2014).
 Role culture: This type of culture implied the strict rules, regulations and high control on
the employees. In this, all the members within the organisation are well-introduce with
their roles and responsibilities which is determined by a person's role within the
organisation structure. By creating the role culture, a firm will be able to accomplish their
task on time as all the members are already aware form their duties and roles.
 Task culture: This culture forms by an organisation when they want to resolve a specific
problem or issue. As the task is the most important factor, so in this case the power is
shifting as per the team member and the status of the issue or project.
 Person culture: An organisation with person culture, reflects all the individuals superior
unique, well-educated and expertise in their own field. This culture helps the business
organisation in bringing the expertise so that all the problems can be resolved easily, and
desired outcomes can be attained. One of the important examples of this culture is law
firms.
As per the above study it can be stated that the task culture is more appropriate for the
Arcadia Group Ltd. as it will enables them to complete their complex problems on time by using
skills and knowledge.
Organisational politics: This depicts the use of power, authority and social networking
within the organisation in order to influence the individuals and teams to achieve its set targets
and goals. These are unofficial and informal efforts of the business to maintain the functional
capabilities and balance between the different view of the employees. The effect of the
organisational politics are defined beneath:
 Decrease in overall productivity: Organisational politics increase the involvement of the
employees in playing politics and waste their time on unofficial issue due to which the
overall productivity of the employees as well as overall organisation in going in the
downfall position which hinder the chances of the succession and growth of the business.
 Demotivated employees: It create bias and demotivation among those employees who
are serious towards accomplish their work although not getting the promotion and other
better opportunities because of the politics(Teh and Sun, 2012).
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 Spoils the ambience: This will create the unhealthy relationship of employees and
management which increase the negative environment that will results lower succession
of the business.
Organisational power: It represents the ability of a person to force someone to
accomplish work if they are not willing to do it. Manager within the organisation exertion their
power so that employees will complete their assigned work within the given deadlines. The
different type of power are described underneath: Reward power: This is the power of managers which they can use in giving the rewards
and compensation to the employees in order to inspire them to accomplish a specific task.
The manager of Arcadia Group can use this power in order to motivate the employees in
the right direction(Fuchs and Edwards, 2012).
 Coercive power: It is using by the manager in order to establish proper control on workers
so that they will follow all the instructions and give them punishment in case of non-
abidance. In the business of Arcadia Group the manager exercise this power rarely as it
might create negative impact on the employees.
 Legitimate power: This power incur because of the formal position of a person within
the organisation. The CEO of the Arcadia Group Ltd has this power which they can use in
establishing proper control and monitor on the organisation.
 Expert power: This refers to the power which is based on some specialised skills or
higher level of knowledge. This power is comprising in the team leader which allows
them to assist, control and monitor on the activities of the other team members so that the
business goals can be attained.
 Referent power: It defines about the abilities of a leader to lead the impact on employees
on the basis of their esteem, loyalty, regard towards their leaders. As this will enables the
leaders to achieve a task effectively with the higher support of the employees.
Impact of power, culture and politics on individual and team behaviour and performance
Basis Influence on Individual behaviour Influence on team behaviour
Power By effectively using their power
manager will be able to get the
advantage of their higher efficiency in
their activities which results
The manager needs to utilise their power
in making healthy relationship and
establish proper coordination among the
team member so that the organisational
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achievement of the organisational goals
in the limited period of time. At the
same time by maintaining better working
conditions each personal will be highly
motivated and satisfied which lead them
to put their contribution in achievement
of goals.
objectives can be achieved and all the
problems can be resolved easily. With the
help of such actions, it impose improved
level of collaboration and cooperation
among team members that benefit
organisation by attaining sustainable
growth.
Culture In regard of individual performance if an
organisation has an effective culture it
will enhance the learning of every
individual and also enables them to
adopt the better options for the firm. So
that the business as well as every
individual can be increased the chances
of their success.
The business manager of Arcadia Group
make an effort to identify each manpower
capability and assign them specified roles
and responsibilities as per their interest or
skill. Due to this, it will positively impact
on team members and lead them to
maintain proper coordination as well as
empower them to maintain proper flow of
learning within the organisation.
Politics This factors generally lead the negative
impact on the employee’s behaviour and
performance as the focus of them
derived to the unnecessary gossips from
their work. On the other hand, if an
establishment provide equal
opportunities as well as maintain
effective communication then it will able
to generate positive response from each
individual towards company.
Team work also have greatly influenced by
the politics as it greatly effect on every
individual work due to which the overall
performance of the team get affected in a
badly manner. On the contrary, if
organisation takes an initiative to maintain
an organised structure as well as provide
equivalent growth platform it will assist
them to acquire increased level of
motivation and satisfaction from business
working culture.
M1 Critically analyse the impact of culture, politics and power
Influence of globalisation and digital technology on organisational culture, politics and
power: Globalisation and digital technology plays an important role in connecting the people
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across the world and also impact on the different culture of people to work together. People from
different nations have several culture, experience, thoughts, views, expectations etc. which
enables the organisation to attain the higher success. Digital technology has only lead the impact
on the people at global level who has different belief and ideas. In this aspect, the managers needs
to establish proper monitor and control on the behaviour of individuals so that they will be able to
reduce the stress and issues among employees so that they can give their best contribution in
achieving the organisational goals.
The culture, politics and power has the huge impact on the employee’s performance and
behaviour in the both positive and negative manner.
Basis Positive Negative
Culture Helps in building healthy relations and
establish coordination which results
higher brand image of the firm.
Restrictions on employees to work strictly
in organisational culture which might
hinder their freedom to express their ideas
in role and power culture.
Power The organisational objectives can be
achieved in the set time frame by pushing
the employees to do higher efforts.
It can lead the tension and stress among
the employees of completing the work on
set deadlines.
Politics Employees can easily share their ideas
with the top management.
The concentration and the interest of the
employees form the work can be diverted.
P2 Evaluate content and process theories of motivation
Motivation is an important factor which is using by an organisation to encourage its
employees to give their best performance so that the goals of the business can be attained. In
order to accomplish their work with more efficiency Arcadia Group needs to motivate their
employees. For this they can use various theories which are as follow:
Content theory of motivation: This theory helps the business in determining the factors
which are the reasons behind the change in the employee needs with time(Emami and et. al.,
2012).
 Maslow's Hierarchy of needs: This theory is developed by the American psychologist
Abraham Maslow in which he has given the five levels of needs which should be
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completed as per their importance. As per him the needs at lower level must be completed
first and then a person should move forward.
Psychological needs: It defines the basic needs of a person like water, food, cloths etc. which
should be completed first before any other need.
Safety needs: It define about the safety and security of an employees at workplace. By creating
the healthy environment and adopting employee legislations business will be able to more
indulge their employees in the organisation.
Social needs: These needs refers to the relationships of the employees with the management and
other member in the organisation(Ashenden and Sasse, 2013).
Esteem needs: It depicts the needs of getting acknowledged and appreciated in the organisation
for their work so that they will feel motivated which results achievement of the business goals
effectively.
Self-actualization needs: These needs are related to the availability of opportunities of personal
development and growth within the organisation so that the job satisfaction can be increased, and
attainment of the business objectives can be assured (The Hierarchy of Human Needs: Maslow’s
Model of Motivation, 2018).
Illustration
1: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. 2018
Source: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, 2018
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 McClelland's need for achievement, affiliation and power theory: As per this theory
every individual have their own motivators like needs for achievement, affiliation or
power. It is based in their life experiences and background(Norton, Zacher and
Ashkanasy, 2014).
1. Need for power: The person who seeks to have higher power are comes under this
category so that they can establish control on others. For example, managers are consider
in this category as they are in demand of high need of power in order to mange, control
and achieve the organisational goals in an effective manner.
2. Need for affiliation: Those who wants to affiliate with other employees and wants to
maintain balanced relationship, are categorised into this category. For example, if an
organisation create a better working environment and also maintain a friendly interaction
with employees it benefit each personnel to improve their interpersonal and social
relationship among co-workers.
3. Need for achievement: In this those employees are included who are high achieve and
wants to attain their goals on time. For example, manager has given responsibilities to a
person in order to work independently so that he/she can use his/her skills and knowledge
in performing their role in an effective manner and can open up path of success for
themselves.
Process theory of motivation: In this aspect those theories are included which analyse
that how a person needs will lead the impact on their behaviour in order to attain a specific goal
related to the needs. Here are define some process theories which can use by Arcadia Group: Vroom expectancy theory: This theory has been developed by Yale Victor Vroom who
defines that motivation is a result of the choices made by employees which can either
maximise the pleasure and lesser the pain. It pertains that the rewards must be given as
per every individual performance so that all the employees get motivated to do hard
efforts in order to achieve the organisational goals(Hooi, 2012). This theory is based on
the three beliefs like valence, expectancy and instrumentality in which valence refers to
the emotional orientation of people which they hold with the hope of rewards. Other,
expectancy pertains the by increasing the efforts higher performance can be attained. For
example, if manager will do higher efforts for their employees then they will be able to
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attain best outcomes from them. And Instrumentality define that an employees can get
rewards only when he will give their best towards achieving the organisational goals.
 The equity theory: It has been given by John Stacey Adams, who stated that the
managers of a business can motivate their employees by treating them fairly. Manager
needs to ensure that every employee will get equal promotional opportunities and rewards
so the conflicts within the organisation can be eliminated. For example, in order to
provide equal opportunities to the employees manager must give their emphasis on
evaluating the each individual performance so that they can give rewards to the best
person and can creating healthy environment within the organisation.
Hence, the above mentioned theories can adopt by the managers of Arcadia Group Ltd. In
order to motivate their employees in the most significant way so that they will give their higher
support and contribution in achieving the organisational goals and objectives on time.
M2 Critically evaluate how to influence the behaviour of others by applying behavioural
motivational theories
In order to achieve the organisational goals and objectives effectively the business
organisation needs to give their focus on using appropriate theories and models of motivation so
that they will be able to motivate their employees in the right direction. Motivation increase the
positive attitude in the employees towards their work which results higher succession of the
business. In this context, the company can use Maslow's theory and McClellend theory which
will help them to ascertain the needs of the employees and what inspire them. Other, the
expectancy and equity theory will assist the managers in understanding behaviour of the
employees so that they can regulate their operations accordingly(Bakotić, 2016).
D1 Critically evaluate the relationship between culture, politics, power and motivation
To influence their employees in an effective manner managers and leaders must have soft
skills. This refers to that skills which enables them to ascertain the ability of an individual to
maintain relationship with their co-workers which exist between them. The existence of these
skills are essential in managers as it will help them in supporting individual awareness and
increase capabilities of individuals to perform their job in a well manner. It will increase or
enhance the motivation of employees and give them higher satisfaction. All the factors like
culture, politics and power have impact of the motivation of the employees. The most effective
organisational culture results higher level of motivation. Recommendations:
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 By rendering the rewards on the basis of employee’s performance will lead the positive
impact on them.
 By adopting the Task culture managers can inspire the proper distribution of work among
employees.
 Positive politics helps the business in creating healthy competition.
Hence, these three terms are interrelated with each other for example, if the manager will
adopt the task culture in their organisation then they will be able to motivate their employees in
right direction. This will enables them in attaining best outcomes from their employees and
providing the rewards to the most effective person so that the balanced environment can be
created. Due to this, the negative impact of the politics on the employees also will be reduced
which results higher performance of each individual as well as organisational.
TASK 2
P3 Explain what makes an effective team as opposed to an ineffective team.
In the present corporate world every organisation have to face the tough competition in
the same industry due to which the business of Arcadia Group Ltd needs to include all the
effective members in their team so that the business will be able to take advantage of the
opportunities and gain a higher position in the marketplace(Wickramasinghe and
Wickramasinghe, 2012).
Effective team Ineffective team
An effective team include all those employees
who are work-oriented and efficient and seeks
to attain their goals and objectives on time.
Also, they are well coordinated in their efforts
so that the conflicts among all the team
members can be resolved easily.
The ineffective team always consider
ineffective because of lack of the proper
direction which needs to be followed in order
to achieve their business goals. All the team
members are not centralised and coordinated
towards a common goal which create conflicts
and unhealthy environment in the organisation.
Belbin theory:
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This theory stated that every individual have their ow behaviour and style which enables
them to play a different role as per the situation. Belbin have defined several roles for the team
which are as follow:
Shaper : In this the organisation of Arcadia Group must focus on hiring a most suitable
person for their business which have the capabilities and abilities to shape their business towards
the succession and growth.
Implementer : This is the second role which define that business must concern for
effectively implementing strategies and plans for the business. For this, they should give this
responsibility to a best person who can carry out this role effectively(Carlström and Ekman,
2012).
Complete finisher: The business manager of the Arcadia Group must ensure that the
implemented strategies are able to give them the appropriate results by solving out all the issues.
Coordinators : The manager must stay concern for establish proper coordination among
the employees so that business targets can effectively accomplished with higher support of the
employees(Kavitha, 2012).
Team member : The relationship between all the team members must be exercise in
order to effectively achieving the business goals and objectives.
Resource investigator : The manager of business must appoint an effective investigator
who can done the investigation regards availability of the resources so that all the business
operation can be done without any kind of hurdles or crisis.
Plant : A planter is a person who gives their focus on bringing the innovation and
creative ideas in the business in order to beat the competitors.
Monitor Evaluator : Manager of the Arcadia Group must appoint a best evaluator who
is able to ascertain the effectiveness and failure of the business strategies and plans and also can
determine the risk so that all the business activities can be operated in a most significant manner.
Specialist : An specialist will help the business in dealing with the complex situations and
uncertainties so that the productivity and profitability of the business can be maximised.
M3 Analyse relevant team and group development theories
Belbin theory is more suitable for the business of Arcadia Group as it will help the
manager in delegating the work in the most appropriate manner among all the team members so
that all the activities can be performed in the most significant way. Also, it helps the business in
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building strengths and dealing with the weakness of the team members as it create proper
coordination among all the team members which enables the business to get higher success and
growth in the marketplace(Riivari and et. al., 2012).
P4. Application of concepts and philosophies of organisational behaviour
Organisational behaviour is a study of individual behaviour which influences the
organisation and its functional activities. Human resources are important to analyse the behaviour
of a person because the nature of human being is unpredictable and fluctuate according to the
situation which is quite complex. Therefore, to understand the behaviour Arcadia Group use Path
Goal Theory which derives the behaviour of workforce which is best suited for them and also
helps in achieving the goals and objectives of an organisation. Path goal theory is a process
which is opted by the leader in order to specify and observe the behaviour and their individual
goals which is helpful for leaders in guiding the workers to obtain their work activities. To
analyse the achievement four paths should be followed by the leaders which are as discussed:
Directive: In this step, leader knows about the goals and objectives and on that basis of
their instructions leaders perform their task. Leader communicate about what is expected to them
like how to do task, guide them, motivate them and coordinate them with other employees to
reduce the uncertainty. This step is worthy in those situations where tasks are not properly
communicated to employees and risk factor is present in desired goals. In order to make team
effective and encourage their work leaders of Arcadia Group specifies targets and objectives
which they need to accomplish(Mclaggan, Botha and Bezuidenhout, 2013). For instance, the
leaders of Arcadia group provide instructions to their employees which can demotivate and
develop dissatisfaction among employees.
Supportive: Here, leader focus on the needs and well-being of the employees and always
be support them in every situation. Leaders try to build relation with their employees to solve
their issues and reduce their burden. Here, leaders are concern about their employees, guide them
in every situation and treat them with respect. It is useful when employees feel demotivated and
discourage while working and, in those situations, where tasks become challenging and tough for
employees. Leader of Arcadia Group will always motivate and encourage their team members
when they face any complex situation and motivate them to deal with every situation. For
instance, the leaders of the Arcadia group need to indulge their employees in the decision making
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process as it helps in improving their performance and makes them feel that they are important in
the organisation.
Participative: In this step, leaders involve their team members in decision making to
motivate them as by this employee feel worthy and important which helps in improving the
performance and productivity of an organisation. Moreover, leaders treat them in friendly way
because employees’ suggestions and advices matters for them. It is useful in those situations
where employees are trained and experienced for their task. Leaders of Arcadia Group always try
to maintain friendly relations with their employees because it boost the morale of employees.
Achievement: Here, leaders set tough and complex objectives for their team members and
expect them to accomplish those objectives in a desired manner. Moreover, leaders show faith in
their employees and forces their team members to show excellent achievement and improvement
in work activities. To accomplish task in desired manner, employees need to show their
capabilities and confidence in order to achieve task. It is best suited in those conditions where
employees are independent and have capability to solve their problem and also in those where
professional working environments is followed.
Brief Analysis: From the above part it is analyse that leader plays an important role in an
organisation in smooth running of functions and to achieve goals and objectives. As per the
above discussed theory, leaders have 4 options to coordinate and manage with their employees.
Leaders of Arcadia Group use all these stages according to the situation which is already
discussed.
M4. Evaluate how concepts and philosophies of OB influence the behaviour in positive and
negative way
From these concepts, leaders learn how to observe the behaviour of employees and how to
deal with them in different situations. It is analysed that each part has its positive and negative
impact on the production and performance of employees. As in directive, employees does not
accomplish their task without the help of their leaders which is good because it reduces the risk
factor from work. In supportive, employees get full support from their leaders which is good in
encouraging and inspiring them, but it has drawback as from this employee get lazy and does not
take initiative in task with affect the productivity of an organisation. In participative, employers
involve their team members in managerial activities and decision making process which is good
because by this employees feel important for the organisation but it has it drawback which is by
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involving them decision-making process conflicts can create among them due to different
opinions(Ruck, Welch and Menara, 2017). In achievement, leaders show faith and trust on their
employees which is good for trained employees, but it can become a drawback for those who
employees who are not fully-trained.
D2. Critically analyse the relevancy of team development theories and concepts
It is evaluated that team building is important in Arcadia Group to achieve desired
outcome. In terms of company, virtual team is good as it maintain the balance among employees
and helps them in building their relationship with each other. Healthy relationship helps in
sharing their work with their fellow members and reduces stress from their work. By these kinds
of teams, employees feel relaxed and Belbin theory helps the company in forming their team
without any hurdle to accomplish their objectives in desired manner. From OB concepts and
philosophies employees, leaders can motivate their employees according to various critical
situations and teach them how to deal with those situations.
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CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it is summarised that presence of a leader is necessary because
performance of employees depends on the leader. Culture of an organisation represents the goals,
values and vision of an organisation and form the above discussed culture task culture is best for
the Arcadia Group as it maintain cooperation and coordination among employees and also helps
in smooth running of task. Powers are essential to make decision for the task and polities is
important because it maintains each type of relationship among employees. Moreover, different
theories are used by leader to encourage employees which is beneficial for an organisation as
employees are asset for them. Team building helps in maintaining relationship and also helpful in
reducing burden and stress. In addition to this, effective team is important in pre-decided goals
and objectives.
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