Impact of Organisational Culture, Politics, and Power on Employee Behaviour

This study analyzes the impact of organisational culture, politics, and power on employee behaviour and performance. It explores various theories of motivation and leadership applied in the organisation to encourage employees. The case study focuses on Sainsbury plc, the second largest chain of supermarkets in the UK.

Organisational
Behaviour
STUDENT NAME:

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Analysis of organisational culture, politics and power on employees...................................3
M1 Critical analysis of affect of culture, politics and power......................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P2 Content and process theories to achieve organisational goals...............................................6
M2 Critical evaluation of effect of motivation on behaviour of others......................................8
D1 Critical evaluation of all the above-mentioned factors.........................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
P3 Effective team........................................................................................................................9
M3 Relevant team and group development theories.................................................................10
P4 Concepts and philosophies of organisational behaviour......................................................11
M4 Evaluation of all concepts & philosophies related with the organisation behaviour..........12
D2 Evaluation of the relevance for different team development theories.................................13
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Organisations consists of workforce having different cultural backgrounds and for
achieving the goals and objectives of the organisation efficiently all the workers need to interact
with each other so that coordination in their work can be established. Organisational behaviour is
the study of how people who are associated with the organisation behave and perform their roles
in the organisation(Atherton, 2015). This study can help in analysing the impact of job
structures, communication channels, motivation, leadership etc. on the behaviour of employees
that ultimately affects the efficiency with which they work. The organisational culture, politics
and power that is exercised by the mangers and leaders creates impact on the behaviour of
individuals and determines the profitability and sustainability of the business in the competitive
environment. For studying the organisational behaviour Sainsbury plc, which was established in
1922, is the second largest chain of supermarkets in the UK and has a share of 15.3% share in the
supermarket sector is taken. Through this report the impact of organisation's culture, politics and
power on the behaviour of the people working in the organisation will be studied in detail. Also,
the impact of various theories and techniques of motivation and leadership applied in the
organisation to encourage their employees will be studied.
TASK 1
P1 Analysis of organisational culture, politics and power on employees
The employees of an organisation play an important role in its success, sustainability and
growth and their behaviour in the workplace is influenced by the organisational culture, politics
and power that affects their efficiency to perform well. Politics and power depend on the
management and leadership that is exercised at the workplace whereas culture depends on the
organisational structure. All these factors determine the way in which employees perform in
order to achieve organisational goals and objectives (Bakotić, 2016).
Influence of organisational culture on team and individual behaviour:

Organisational culture is the shared assumptions, beliefs and values of all the workers
which influences their behaviour in which they act and perform their roles and responsibilities so
as to achieve the goals of the company. Handy's cultural typology can be used to understand
various types of organisational cultures :
 Power culture: this is a culture which is usually found in small start-ups where the
power is of centralised nature. The founder has the quality of charismatic leader. All the
employees possess loyalty towards the leader and these organizations have a quality of
flexibility.
 Role culture: This is the culture which is highly job oriented and is present in the
bureaucratic organisations. There are very strict rules and agreements which have to be
followed in such type of culture. In this culture the role played by leaders is used in
determination of power they possess (Chevallier and et. al., 2012).
 Task culture: such type of culture is mostly prevailing in case of Matrix organisations.
In this employee are highly professional and they are having problem solving approach.
In this there is high amount of coordination present amongst all the employees, which
helps the top management in smooth running of various functions of the company.
 Person culture: This is the culture which is present in organisation which are very
professional and employees’ possess independence in various forms. Employees possess
high educational qualifications. Mostly law firms have this type of culture.
In case of Sainsbury the company has been following task, culture which is very helpful
in ensuring high performance by their employees.
Influence of politics in organisations on team and individual behaviour:
Politics in organisation is related to use of power and strategies to get some preferred
results. In case of Sainsbury its managers have to make appropriate decisions, which will help
them in establishing control on such type of politics. This is very necessary to be done on part of
the organisations as this will help them in maintaining a cooperative environment. Reduction of
politic may also help in reduction of positivity at workplace. Influence of politics on team and
individuals in organization is described below:
 Decrease in productiveness: Politic in organisation can also lead to decreasing
productivity of employees of the company as their productivity as individual swill be

affected. This will have a negative effect on the reduction in the outcomes of whole teams
in the companies (Chiboiwa, Chipunza and Samuel, 2011).
 Demotivation: Prevailing of negative politics can also lead to reduction in the motivation
of employees. There mindset will be changes which may be reflected in terms o0f their
reduction in the level of performance.
Influence of power on team and individual in organisations:
Power is regarded as the capability of managers which is used to control various
operations and functions in the company. Power is also a ability which is used to control the
behaviour of employees in the company. Following discuss are some of powers which are
present in the organisation:
 Reward power: This is related to power in which employees are rewarded based on their
overall level of performance. In case of Sainsbury, this power is used by managers who
will be using it to reward those employees who are performing best, This will be acting
as a motivation tool for the company and motivate their employees by developing a
sense of competition among them (Connolly and et. al., 2017).
 Coercive power : It is the ability to make employees perform their work using force and
threat. For example : suspending the employees from their positions on behalf of their
misconduct. It is exercised by the highest level of authorities at Sainsbury.
 Legitimate power : It is the power exercised by a person on behalf of their position.
Managers of Sainsbury use this power to control and monitor the work of their
employees.
 Expert power : It is the power of experts by their knowledge and skills in a specific
field. At Sainsbury the CEO of the company exercise this power.
Impact of all the factors on individual and team behaviour and their performance
Basis Influence on individual behaviour Influence on team behaviour
Power Positive power helps in enhancing the
efficiency with which the employees do
their work so that organisational
objectives can be timely achieved.
Positive power helps in better coordination
and cooperation among the team members
so that targets can be achieved effectively
along with better problem-solving
capabilities of the team members.

Culture The culture promotes the way in which
employees of the company associate,
interact and integrate with each other so
that they can be encouraged to use their
skills and talents effectively.
Team behaviour can also be motivated
through effective communication and
organisational structure so that conflicts can
be solved and decision-making can be done
in an efficient manner.
Politics Politics decrease the ability of
employees to work efficiently as they
get deviated from their roles which
lowers their productiveness.
The diverse ideas of team which could have
been used to solve various problems of the
company also get affected due to politics
and their efficiency decreases.
M1 Critical analysis of affect of culture, politics and power
All these factors have both positive and negative impact on individual and team
behaviour which is shown below :
Basis Positive Impact Negative impact
Culture Encourages workers to collaborate and
coordinate with each other so that
organisational goals and objectives are
achieved.
Workers have to follow the shared culture
that is followed in the organisation which
restricts their independence.
Politics It can help in distribution of tasks at
lower levels and also helps to get the
work done by employees through
positive politics.
Affects the productivity of employees as
they get diverted from their work which
increases tension and stress.
Power Targets can be achieved by pushing the
workers beyond their limits.
Employees have to work under pressure as
they are forced to work even when they
are not willing to.
TASK 2
P2 Content and process theories to achieve organisational goals
Motivation is an important factor which helps in encouraging the employees so that their
performance can be enhanced and they can work more efficiently at the workplace. Motivation

can improve the efficiency of workers and also increase their willingness to improve their
performance (Dartey-Baah and Amoako, 2011). Managers can use various theories to motivate
the employees at workplace ;
Content theories: These theories states that the needs and wants of employees change
continuously and they tend to satisfy those demands. At Sainsbury following content theories can
be used by the mangers :
1.) Maslow's Hierarchy of needs : The theory was given by Abraham Maslow and he said that
every person has a hierarchy of demands and they progress from lower hierarchical level to the
topmost level in order to achieve overall satisfaction.
Source : Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs .2018 Psychological needs : These are the basic needs of individuals i.e. food, water, clothes
etc. for which Sainsbury should pay according to the employment legislatures of the
country (El-Maghrabi and et. al., 2018). Safety needs : These are related to job security and safety at the workplace which can be
achieved at Sainsbury by establishing a safe and friendly environment at the workplace. Social needs : These are related to building relations at the workplace so that employees
can feel connected with the company and other employees which will help in boosting
their morale. Esteem needs : It is related to self-recognition and appreciation for the work done by the
employees. For this Sainsbury must reward employees for their performance and must
give appraisals.
 Self actualization needs : These are the needs of employees to grow and develop both
personally and professionally. This needs must be satisfied to give overall satisfaction to
the workers (Elsmore, 2017).
2.) McGregor's X and Y theory : Mc Gregor proposed this theory of motivation where he states
that there are two ways in which managers can motivate the employees. Theory X states that
workers normally dislike work and tend to avoid it so force must be used by mangers along with
directing them so that the employees can perform their work efficiently. Theory Y on the other
hand is of the view that people will be motivated to work efficiently if they are positively
motivated and given rewards. This will help them to seek responsibility and management of such

workforce can be easily done. This theory workers to be more productive and innovative in their
work.
Process theories : These theories states that a person can be motivated depending on
their psychological and behavioural processes (Farndale, Hope-Hailey and Kelliher, 2011).
Following process theories can be applied at Sainsbury to motivate their employees:
1.) The expectancy theory : This theory was given by Victor Vroom who said that motivation is
the result of choices made by the person. The expectation of a person that they will achieve great
satisfaction after completion of a particular task motivates them to complete the task on time.
The rewards or punishment associated with the completion of a particular task motivates and
encourages the person to continuously improve their performance.
2.) The equity theory : This theory states employees can be motivated by giving them fair and
equal treatment at workplace and also equal opportunities to grow and develop in their careers.
Maintaining equity is based on the amount of contribution of employees in the organisation.
Managers of Sainsbury can use any of the above-mentioned theories so that the
employees can be positively motivated to improve their efficiency to perform their work and
achieve organisational goals and objectives on time (Goh, Ritchie and Wang, 2017).
M2 Critical evaluation of effect of motivation on behaviour of others
Motivation plays an important role to encourage the employees so that they can use their
talents and skills in an efficient manner so that the organisational goals and objectives can be
achieved on time. Managers can use various theories depending on the workforce in order to
motivate them so that employees can be made goal-oriented and they can work towards
achieving the set goals. The needs and the motivational factors need to be analysed so that
effective motivation can be given to the workers. This will also create trust of employees on their
managers and on the organisation and they will be motivated to perform their tasks in an
efficient manner.
D1 Critical evaluation of all the above-mentioned factors
Organisational culture affects the way in which people associated with the company
behave and perform their tasks. Their behaviour depends on the level of motivation and job
satisfaction which helps them in working efficiently and improving their efficiency to perform
their tasks. Culture, politics and power can be used in a balanced manner in the company to
encourage the employees to achieve the company targets on time and within budget.

Recommendations for Sainsbury plc :
 Appraisal must be given based on the level of performance of employees.
 Training and development programmes can help in integrating workers.
 Reward power must be regularly exercised.
 Use of positive politics and power so that employees can work efficiently.
TASK 3
P3 Effective team
In the present scenario all the businesses are facing high competition in the market and in
order to compete efficiently it is important that they have effective team members who can
coordinate and integrate their work together to achieve company goals and objectives (Gold and
et. al., 2013). Sainsburg can grow and develop in the competitive market by having effective
team members who can work together to achieve organisational goals:
Effective team Ineffective team
The team members are more goal oriented and
they work together so as to take decisions in
every situation. They follow the instructions of
their leaders and try to complete their work in
an efficient manner so that company goals can
be achieved on time.
These team members are confused about the
goals they have achieve. The work of these
team members is not coordinated and they
often indulge in conflicts with each other. The
team members also are inefficient in reaching
to an effective solution in a situation which
delays the achievement of goals on time.
Belbin Theory : This theory states that all the individuals have different style and pattern in
which they execute their behaviour in different situations (Kiatkawsin and Han, 2017). The
theory has given different roles for team which are mentioned below : Shaper : In this the people who could take the business to the higher level are hired so
that the company can grow and develop in the market. This is done by providing support
and guidance to the workers so that they can shape the business towards growth. Implementer : In this the pre decided strategies and plans are effectively applied so that
goals can be efficiently achieved.

 Complete finisher : In this the manger must assure that the tasks are completed by the
application of appropriate strategies and plans so that problems can be efficiently solved
and organisational goals can be timely achieved (Laforet, 2011). Coordinators : The managers must ensure that the employees must be motivated to
coordinate and integrate their work so that common goals can be achieved. Team member : The team members must work with full coordination and cooperation so
that goals of the teams can be achieved under the guidance of the team leaders. Resource investigator : The team members selected must have potential and required set
of knowledge and skills so that proper investigation regarding how to perform task
efficiently can be done. This will also help in analysing the risk factors associated with a
project so corrective measures can be taken and ways to achieve goals can be
formulated. Plant : The planter is the person who is responsible for coming up with creative and
innovative ideas so that the business goals can be achieved and competition can be
effectively faced (Laforet, 2011). Monitor evaluator : The person selected as a team member must be a good evaluator of
situation so that they can easily identify all the advantages and disadvantages that are
associated with the decisions. This will help in coming up with new and creative ideas so
that problem can be efficiently solved.
 Specialist : The business must focus on selection of team members who have expert
knowledge in the situation and task so that the problems can be solved immediately by
analysing the complete situation so that higher position and profitability can be achieved
in the market.
The team can be effective if they are completing the tasks in an effective manner. This can be done if
proper delegation of authority and responsibility is done by the team leaders as it will make their roles clear to them.
To make the team effective the focus must be given on conflict management as it will build understanding among
the employees and this will ensure democracy in decision making process. If they will not be considered then the
team will become ineffective.

M3 Relevant team and group development theories
Belbin theory is the most appropriate theory to develop effective team in the company
which can help in selecting the team members who can help in achieving the goals and
objectives of the company buy understanding their roles and responsibilities in the team. This
can help in developing effective team and analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the team
members so that goals can be efficiently achieved. The team members must have similar set of
skills, talents and interests so that dynamic cooperation can be established among the team
members. They can put their efforts together so that they can lead the company on the path of
profitability.
P4 Concepts and philosophies of organisational behaviour
Organisational behaviour is a study which helps to understand the behaviour of the team
members and how do they perform their role. For the organisation it is important that the teams
effectively perform for which the team leader need to consider various styles and approaches. In
case if the team is not performing effectively they have to apply various philosophies to identify
and understand the loophole.
Path goal theory : It is a theory which helps the organisation in identifying the type of
leadership style which they can apply in their ingratiation (Owoyemi and Ekwoaba, 2014Pereira,
Malik and Froese, 2017). It is dependent upon the nature of the employees and the environment
in which they operate.
Classification of path goal theory-
Employees characteristics- It will facilitate employees in acquiring sufficient skills and
knowledge so as to perform their allotted roles and responsibilities in an effective and efficient
manner. Thus, manager need to play an important role in developing skills and abilities of
employees by motivating them through giving suitable guidance and direction.
Task and environmental characteristics- It mainly focuses on the issues that come in
the process of executing activities allotted to the employees at workplace for the achievement of
organisational goals and objectives. The manager of Sainsbury put their maximum efforts in
resolving their issues by framing an effective plan for their betterment (Seck and Helton, 2014).
Leadership styles : The managers use various leadership styles which helps them to control,
monitor, and guide the employees of the organisation which helps them to achieve the overall

objectives of the organisation in an effective manner. Some of the leadership styles which are as
per the path goal theory of the leadership are given below :
 Directive Leadership : In this leadership style the leaders guide the employees of the
organisation. They provide them the guidance and the direction in which they have to
work that will help them to achieve their goals and targets. Based on the performances
the employees are given away the rewards and they are further promoted to some higher
designation.
 Participative Leadership : This is a type of leadership style in which the leaders make
their employees to participate in the organisational activities which further helps them in
decision making. Sainsbury can follow this style of leadership where they can utilise the
capabilities of the employees by taking their advice which will motivate them and make
them feel integral part of the organisation (Suciu, Mortan and LAZĂR, 2013).
 Supportive Leadership : This is a type of leadership in which the leaders act as friend of
the employee with whom they can share their thought and views. Also, it helps them to
treat all the employees of the organisation equal and fair. This approach can be used by
Sainsbury when they feel like their employees are in stress.
 Achievement Oriented leadership approach : In this style of leadership approach,
leaders decide the challenges which they can put before the employees and can make
them work accordingly. This will help theme employees to bring improvement in them. It
can be used by the company Sainsbury in case when they have any difficult task to
accomplish and they believe that their employees can achieve that task easily (Whelan,
2016).
The theories will help the managers deliver the performances with the help of various
approaches and styles. Such as path goal theory will help them to identify the leadership styles
which can be supportive, directive and participative. This will make their team efficient as the
team members can participate in the decision making it make them feel integrated part of the
organisation. Whereas the Beblin theory will make them understand and react as per the
situations. This makes the team effective and improves their performances.

M4 Evaluation of all concepts & philosophies related with the organisation behaviour
All the philosophies & concepts related with organisational behaviour is needed to be
followed by an organisation. This assist the management to build positive relationship within the
overall organisation. As it is related with coaching, monitoring and controlling feedbacks as well
as performance card. So, it is easy for organisation to monitor all the process that is used to
monitor and reward the achievement of individuals. So, it helps to manage the diversify
workforce and to overcome from different barriers by solving their conflicts between them.
Organisational behaviour has a positive impact on the performance of the employees. This is possible
because it helps to develop a healthy workplace environment that motivates the employees to achieve their goals.
Further the motivation improves the efficiency of the employees. Along with this the situational decisions of leaders
help in influencing the employees which will make them achieve their targets on time. With the help of various
theories and philosophies the achievement of the goals can be effectively achieved. Along with this the OB has
various negative impact such as the changes in the policies and procedure decreases the efficiency of the employees
which de motivates them to work. Also the influence of the managers can sometimes be negative which can make
their employees to quit.
D2 Evaluation of the relevance for different team development theories
Theories related with team management are beneficial for influencing the behaviour of
individuals at the workplace. It governs that all individual has different set of skills and cultural
background due to which there is various expectation are generated from their jobs. Along with
this the main motive of them is to pursue all work in a positive manner. Majority of the team are
formulated from different team members. There is various task need to be coordinated between
all teams so that organisation is able to complete their work in short intervals. In the last, it is
also beneficial for motivating and increasing the morale of employees.

CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above report that organizational behaviour DONEplays an important
role in the growth and success of an organization as it all depends on the efforts and contribution
of employees. The management need to maintain culture, allot power and control politics at
workplace so that every employee can give their best efforts in the achievement of organizational
goals and objectives. Along with this, it is also important for managers to implement various
motivational theories which includes Maslow, Vroom expectancy etc. which brings motivation
among employees to work hard and achieve their retention with company for longer period of
time. It is an essential for employees to work in a team which ensures organization in getting
maximum output. An organization should encourage their leaders and managers to maintain the
healthy working atmosphere by using various team building theories such as Belbin, leadership
styles such as supportive etc.

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