Influence of Culture, Politics, and Power on Individual and Team Behavior and Performance

This article analyzes how culture, politics, and power influence individual and team behavior and performance in an organization. It discusses the impact of culture on behavior, the role of power in shaping behavior, and the negative effects of politics on teamwork. It also explores content and process theories of motivation and provides recommendations for improving motivation in the workplace. Additionally, it explains the characteristics of effective teams and the importance of team development theories.

ORGANISATIONAL
BEHAVIOUR

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Analyse how culture, politics and power influence individual and team behaviour and
performance.................................................................................................................................1
M1. Critical study how culture, politics and power of an company influence individual and
team behaviour and performance................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P2. Discuss content and process theories of motivation and motivational techniques for
meeting of set standards in a firm...............................................................................................5
M2. Critically analyse how it impact the behaviour of other by effective application of
behavioural motivational theories, models and concepts............................................................6
D1. Critically determine the relationship among power, politics and motivation which enables
group and firm to succeed providing justified recommendations. .............................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P3. Explanation of effective team as opposed to an ineffective team.........................................6
M3. Team development theories support for development of co-operation ...........................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P4. Application of various concepts and philosophies of OB...................................................10
M4. Justification of various theories and philosophies in organisational context....................11
D2. Evaluate the relevancy of team development theories and various concepts of OB..........11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Organizational behaviour is explained as understanding nature and behaviour of
individual while working in an organization. It is important to examine the behaviour of people
so that strategies can be framed accordingly in order to deal with it. There are distinguish
importance of organizational behaviour such as, aid in building healthy relations with people,
uplift goodwill of the firm so on (Such and Mutrie, 2017). Organizational behaviour consists of
four element which are, structure, people, environment and technology in which firm operates.
Intercontinental hotels and resorts are undertaken in order to complete the project. This company
came into existence in the year 1946 and is suited in Buckinghamshire, UK. It is serving it
services across the globe and are successfully meeting the emerging needs of the customers. This
report covers how culture, power and politics impact firm's team behaviour and performance.
Process theories of motivation and motivational techniques is studied so as to attain set goals.
Various theories applied in the firm are examined so as to make necessary improvements.
TASK 1
P1. Analyse how culture, politics and power influence individual and team behaviour and
performance.
To grow and develop in the intense competitive world it is essential to understand
culture, power and politics. By evaluating this aspects properly competitive advantages against
rivalry can be attained easily. All this three aspect influence individual and team behaviour and
performance in both positive and negative way (Clark and et. al., 2017). In neck to neck
competitive world it is important for management of Intercontinental hotels and resorts to scan
them appropriately so as to make necessary improvement in the up-coming years.
Culture influencing individual and team behaviour:
The work culture of Intercontinental hotels and resorts is clears by studying Handy's
cultural typology model. The points are elaborated below briefly:
Power of culture: In small business power of culture exist. In this case owner of the
company is holding power in their hand and does not decentralize the power to any-other person.
Organization are flexible in nature and easily get adjust with the changing environment. Staff
members in this type of firm are loyal and hard-working as compare to other bushinesses
employee.
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Additionally, staff members working in this type of enterprise are loyal for their work and
leader.
Role culture: This is more job oriented and is present in bureaucratic firm. They follow
strict rules and procedure in their working premises so that work are performed in organized
manner. From the position where the employee is placed from that power level can be
ascertained accordingly.
Task culture: This type of culture is normally discovered in matrix firm who are more
result oriented. However, in task culture sub-ordinate are highly experienced and professionals
are good in problem solving (Muhonen, Jönsson and Bäckström, 2017). In neck to neck
competitive world the coordination among the team totally depends on the work priority level.
This is not rigid in operation but are flexible in nature and adopts dynamic changes smoothly.
Person culture: In law organization this type of culture can be identified easily. This is
because in such enterprises employees work with their own experience and skill and are
completely independent in nature.
Intercontinental hotels and resorts is following task culture in their working premises
because more importance is render to the co-workers output. This raises overall performance
and productivity of co-workers which is a optimistic sign for business in open market place.
Impact of company’s politics on individual and team behaviour:
Spoils the ambience: In a company when positive working environment is not allotted to
the team members them the switching ratio raises tremendously. Politics are the main reason of
spoiling working ambience. It results in reducing productivity level of the workers.
Reduces productivity: Politics distract the co-workers from reaching their goal in the
set time span. They are attracted towards gossip and leg pulling of others in the premises which
leads in less productive outcomes. As well as needs of the client are not satisfied.
Impact of companies power on individual and team behaviour:
Referent power: Trades and behaviours of individuals motivates them to accomplish set
standards in appropriate way. Referent power is in the hands of owner of Intercontinental hotels
and resort who are accountable to boost their self-esteem as well as suggest them timely in their
assigned work.
Reward power: HR of Intercontinental hotels and resort render reward to the deserving
candidate by evaluating the performance of the teammates. They are paid monetary and non-
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monetary incentives and benefits depending upon their work performance. It boost them to work
much more better as compare to earlier.
Legitimate power: Power are delegated to the individual according to their skills and
abilities in a firm (Ruck, 2017). The top level management look after all the activities of
Intercontinental hotels and resort capable and potential workers performance so that
improvements can be done in their performance accordingly.
The influence of power, culture and politics on individual and team behaviour and
performance.
Basis Impact on individual
behaviour
Impact on team behaviour
Power Employees are encouraged to
perform better then the rivalry
when they are allotted positive
working atmosphere for
working. By this teammates
are able to full-fill the
expectation level of customers
in innovative way (Islam and
et. al., 2018).
Power is the main element that
assist in building healthy
coordination between the
workers. It directly or
indirectly helps in meeting the
set goals in the framed
deadline. Moreover, conflict
among the employee's are
resolved immediately so as to
maintain harmony in the
premises.
Culture Culture plays a significant role
in pushing the employees to
perform better as well as
encourage individual learning
at the work place. It aid
candidate to adjust with the
culture of the company easily.
Behaviour of team is impacted
by culture of the firm.
Additionally, this aspects
influence communication and
decision making process. To
gain competitive advantages
against rivalry it is essential to
build positive culture of the
firm.
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Politics Teammates workforce
efficiency decline because of
raising politics in the working
place. They are attracted more
towards the politics and
gossips rather then work
assigned (Cherry, 2017).
The working style of the
company gets imbalanced due
to raising politics it leads in
unproductive outcomes. By
this creative thinking of
workers is decreased and aim
of solving issues of customers
in innovative way is not full-
filled.
M1. Critical study how culture, politics and power of an company influence individual and team
behaviour and performance.
Basis Positive influence Negative influence
Culture The coordination between the
employees become strong and
transparent because of culture
power at workplace.
Rigid workplace leads to in-
effective outcomes due to
which market value decreases
gradually.
Power By utilizing the delegated
power effectively sub-ordinate
can contribute in gaining set
standards smoothly with
wastage of resources.
Additional efforts are made by
team-mates so as to complete
the task in the set deadline
(Jain and D'lima, 2017).
Politics More competition among the
co-workers take place at lower
level as they strike hard to
raise their position. By
ignoring politics are work hard
to full-fill the work in creative
In the working environment
more competition and politics
take place at lower section.
They focus more on gossip
rather than work. It reduces
they ability of creative
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way. thinking.
TASK 2
P2. Discuss content and process theories of motivation and motivational techniques for meeting
of set standards in a firm.
The content and process theories of motivation and motivational techniques are illustrated briefly
so as to achieve set goals and objectives of a company. The theories are explained as under:
Content theories of motivation: Here, it showcase the preferences of the employees.
Some of the content theory which helps Intercontinental hotels and resort to study those factors
which impact motivation level teammates at the workplace. Additionally, numerous ways are
identified to encourage them so that they can meet set standards in the set time duration.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs: American psychologist Abraham Maslow has designed
this theory. The five levels of hierarchy is involved in this theory whose explanation are done
below:
 Psychological needs: It includes all basic needs such as, food, water, shelter and clothes.
Firm by paying nominal salary to the employees this needs can be full-filled easily.
 Safety needs: Here, job security, health and safety of family are ascertained and sub-
ordinate work hard to full-fill them. By providing safe working atmosphere to the
employees overall workforce efficiency can be raised accordingly (Connolly and et. al.,
2017).
 Social needs: Interaction, belongingness and so on are included in social needs. Experts
are hired to aware them the importance of healthy relations with co-workers in the
working premises.
 Esteem needs: In this stage workers desire rewards and recognizantion for their
performance. When workers are recognised on the floor for their hard work they get
motivated from within and work more effectively to in the leading position.
 Self-actualization needs: In this specific level of Maslow's model co-workers want
personal growth and development. Individual who are self-actualized are termed to be
more satisfied as compare to those who are not.
Process theory of motivation : Psychological and behavioural processes is used in order to
boost the staff members to task productively in the set time span. How Process theory aid
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Intercontinental hotels and resorts to asses the factors influencing motivation level of sub-
ordinates are explained below:.
 The Expectancy Theory: Victor Vroom share their perception regarding this theory. As
per this great personality The expectancy theory states that it is based on conscious
selection of people which maximizes pain or pleasure. Perks, incentives and so on are
render to the employees for their hard work which push them to perform more better as
compare to earlier.
 The Equity Theory: Employees are motivated by treating them equally and fairly at the
workplace (Salas-Vallina, Alegre and Fernandez, 2017). To retain skilled and potential
staff members for longer time duration equal benefits and rewards should be offered to
them despite of any religion, gender etc.
M2. Critically analyse how it impact the behaviour of other by effective application of
behavioural motivational theories, models and concepts.
To finish the allotted work in the set time frame it is important to influence the behaviour
of the individual. Numerous motivational theories, models and concepts are adopted in order to
mould co-workers to meet desired outcomes. However, Maslow's need hierarchy aid
management to understand the demand of its workers and work on it to full-fill them. Whereas,
expectancy theory helps in studying expectation level of employees and discover innovative
ways to accomplish them.
D1. Critically determine the relationship among power, politics and motivation which enables
group and firm to succeed providing justified recommendations.
In every enterprise many power, motivation, politics and culture encourage employees
to accomplish set outcomes in set time frame. Some of the recommendations for improvements
which mentioned as under:
 Reward power aid to with hold capable workers over the years.
 By providing training to the workers overall workforce efficiency can be raised.
TASK 3
P3. Explanation of effective team as opposed to an ineffective team
Team is a collection of individuals for the specific purpose and the formation of team is
depends on the skills and knowledge of those individuals (Ruck, Welch and Menara, 2017). In
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addition to this, team and its members are depends on the each other in the regard of providing
the information, decision and many more. It is made in order to increase the productivity and
reduces the weaknesses of them. There are many types of teams which are made in the
organisation according to the requirement of project or task which is discussed as under:
 Virtual team: These are those teams in which employees do their work from different
area and need to coordinate with its team from the mode of communication and cooperate
in a proper manner in order to get things better (Darcy and Manzi 2017). Employees want
to work in these teams as because of this their work life get balanced and they work as
per their schedule and manages their working hours. In order to manage these teams,
companies need to hire experts as they know how to communicate properly which is the
basic factor to get their work done. If Intercontinental hotels & resorts make these teams
then it is beneficial for them because they can easily retain talented employees because of
their culture and it develops satisfaction among employees.
 Problem solving team: It is not a permanent team and made to solve the critical
problems and issues of an organisation. These type of teams are made to face any
uncertain changes which happen in the company. These teams and its members are come
up with the proper solution which is helpful or the company in order to attain success in
the business environment. If Intercontinental hotels & resorts create this team then it is
because when they are facing any critical problem and their expertise solve the problems
as it becomes easy for their employees. Project team: These type of team is made in order to attain specific task or desired goals
by making proper plans and policies. Companies make these teams in order to work their
employees in a collective manner and they have common objective which is matches
with their personal objective too. While making these teams, it is important to their
superior to make clear goals and objectives to their team members. If Intercontinental
hotels & resorts make this team which is beneficial for their organisation in order to
achieve individual and organisational goals.
Effective vs Ineffective Team
Effective Team: These are those teams which is made in order to motivate their
employees to work in a team. In these teams, they promote open communication for better
productivity and for this, employees need to take active participation in the decision making
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process of an organisation. As in this process, team members disagree form each others view
point and come into conflicts which create many changes in their suggestions and ideas before
concluding to a proper decision.
Ineffective Team: These are those teams where objectives and goals are not specified
and the working environment is also become stressful and tensed. Here, conflicts and confusions
are the very normal as companies are in hurry in order to complete their task.
Basis Effective team Ineffective team
Goals Here, goals and objectives are
properly understood by the
team members in order to
achieve success for company.
Here, it is quite difficult for
them to understand their view
points because they are always
disagree with each other.
Contribution of members In these teams, every member
of the team actively participate
in the decision making process
which is useful for company in
order to gain new ideas and
suggestions (Pereira, Malik
and Froese, 2017).
Here, decision making is in
few hands such as in top
management or mangers etc.
and will take decision for their
employees.
Conflict resolution In these teams decisions are
taken by considering the view
points of each members and
they need to show sign to
avoid conflicts to team.
In these teams, decisions are
taken by the top level
management because powers
are in the single hands. Hence,
in this employees came into
conflicts for the suitable
decision.
Listening Effective team members
properly listen to each other
and every idea.
Ineffective team members does
not listen to each others ideas
and does not understand their
view points.
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In order to identify the teamwork effectively, Tuckman and Belbin's theory is used as
these are helpful in explaining the team behaviour and development of team. It is helpful in order
to order to develop effective teams in the organisations.
Tuckman Theory
 Forming: It is the stage in which teams are develop where individuals are not have any
specific place for their own and are busy in order to find any place. Here, entry of an
individual is depends on the size and objective of the project (Elsmore, 2017). It include
the formation of team in which team members are filled as per the requirement of skills in
the project.
 Storming: As per this stage, team members are start to address about their task and
manages them according to the desired objective. But different idea and view point
clashes with their objective. In this stage, relationship is made or form and it is depends
on their coordination. In order to form an effective team, a strong team leader is required
in order to manage it effectively.
 Norming: At this stage, team and its members are agrees with the rules and regulations
in order to achieve success. For this, they need to develop trust and faith with each other
and should understand their responsibilities in order to take major decisions.
 Performing: It is the final stage, where leaders are focuses on the task and building
relationship with team which is helpful in developing something. Here, teams are perform
on the basis of decision making which is made by their leaders in order to avoid
confusion.
From the above discussion it summarised that team building is important for the
Intercontinental hotels & resorts in order to achieve various tasks and objectives. Virtual team is
suggested to company as it helps in balancing the work life of their employees and reduces the
stress from their work.
Belbin's Team Theory
 Action oriented: These teams are focus on the performance of teams and always try to
improve it by converting their ideas into action and meeting their deadlines (Burrell and
Morgan, 2019). Here, the managers pay attention to the every small detail and make sure
that things are going in the right way.
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 People oriented: These are the teams which form in order to bring people and their ideas
close as it helps in achieving the success and growth for an organisation. They also
provide support to their team in a very diplomatic way (Balwant, 2018).
 Thought oriented: These are the teams which are made in order to analyse the options
and provide technical expertise. These team members are come up with innovation and
excellent solution.
M3. Team development theories support for development of co-operation
Coordination and cooperation is the basic element which is expected the company to their
staff and workforce of the Intercontinental hotels & resorts as team development theories are
adopted by the managers in order to influence coordination among the behaviour of employees.
Cooperative team members are included in effective teams as they enhance their work quality
which is done by them and also improve their functions in the market. These both elements are
needed by employees in order to work in a continuous basis which helps in satisfying the
employees and bring clarity in their work. It is done when proper team development theories are
selected by leaders in order to bring coordination and cooperation among them.
TASK 4
P4. Application of various concepts and philosophies of OB
OB is a process which helps in understanding and examining the human behaviour which
is based on the various concepts and also focuses on the working style of employees. To analyse
the working behaviour of employees of the Intercontinental hotels & resorts, they use Path goal
theory which is helpful for them in order to provide guidance and support to their subordinate as
it helps in guiding the career path of employees. According to this theory, leaders adopt
particular behaviour which is suitable for their employees. In order to identify the achievements
four paths are discussed as under:
 Directive: According to this path, leaders guide their subordinates in a way like what is
expected to them, what should they, how to do and when to do which is depends on the
scheduling of their task (Kitchin, 2017). It is useful when employees are not sure about
their work and risk factor is along with it. In the context of Intercontinental hotels &
resorts, their leaders should direct their employees and specify them about what is
expected to them.
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 Supportive: As per this step, leaders describe those objectives which are easily attainable
and these leaders also show that how they care for their employees and also approach
them in an very friendly manner. In is best in those conditions where task are tough and
complex. For this, leaders of Intercontinental hotels and resorts will guide their
employees when they are in the complex situation.
 Participative: As per this path, leaders of an organisation include their employees in the
decision making or managerial decision in order to make them feel that they are
important for the organisation (Such and Mutrie, 2017). They include them in order to get
new suggestions ad innovative ideas which is helpful for an organisation. It is suited in
those situation where employees are highly experienced.
 Achievement: According to this path, leaders set tough and high standards for their
employees as it helps in analysing their skills and needs. This path put negative impact on
the mind of their employees in order to gain trust and faith of their employees. It is best
in those situations where employees are highly trained and skilled.
M4. Justification of various theories and philosophies in organisational context
According to the path goal theory, leaders of Intercontinental hotels & resorts have many
options in order to deal with their staff. These paths put both negative and positive impact on the
mind of their subordinates. As in directive, employees get demotivate because they only get
instructions. In supportive, they get motivate through the support of their leader and in
participative, organisation get innovative and new ideas which is helpful in achieving the desired
goals and objectives. In achievement, subordinates get demotivate as lot of work pressure
without any guidance.
D2. Evaluate the relevancy of team development theories and various concepts of OB
Coordination and management between team is important as it helps in avoiding the work
and improves the efficiency of employees. In the context of Intercontinental hotels & resorts,
leader is important in an organisation as it helps in guiding and motivating their subordinates and
they contribute in attaining their desired goals (Clark and et. al., 2017). To manage teams
effectively, company can use four paths which is useful for leaders as they are best suited and
describe the every situation.
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CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it is concluded that a leader is important in order to identify
the behaviour of human being as observing them is important because they reflect their skills and
behaviour. For this, organisational culture, politics and power is important as it is beneficial in
order to get work done in an appropriate manner. In the regard of Intercontinental hotels &
resorts, task culture is suggested to them as it is suitable. Moreover, motivational theories are
discussed which is essential in order to influence and analyse their worth in the market. In
addition to this, effective team is necessary as it helps in fostering the performance of employees
and also encourages them in order to achieve their overall objectives.
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