The Political Stage of the Office and the Art of Managing Masks in the Digital Era
Have you ever noticed how a workplace policy suddenly shifts direction following a leadership rotation? Or how a technically mediocre colleague gets a lightning-fast promotion simply because they are always in the boss’s inner circle?
For those who view the professional world linearly, competence is everything. However, the crucial academic material of Organisational Behaviour reminds us of an unavoidable reality: an organisation is not a sterile production machine, but a dynamic political ecosystem.
In the 14th session of the management syllabus, there is an in-depth discussion on Power and Organisational Politics. This chapter dissects how sources of power are utilised, how political tactics are executed, and how a technique called Impression Management shapes an individual’s career reality.
When we contextualise this within today’s public dynamics, especially amidst the noise of leadership transitions, the restructuring of state institutions, and the aggressive personal branding phenomenon on social media like LinkedIn and X (Twitter), this material feels very much alive and relevant.
Measuring Sources of Power: It’s Not Just About Position
Many people fall into the trap of thinking that power only originates from a formal decree or legitimate position (legitimate power). In reality, organisational behaviour maps out various other sources of power that are far more fluid. There is expert power (power based on expertise) and referent power (power based on charisma or a likeable network).
In the current era, we are witnessing a major shift. Individuals who possess expert power in artificial intelligence (AI) technology or macro data analysis suddenly hold strategic control in companies, displacing conventional managers. Organisational politics occurs when limited resources, such as budgets, influence, or leadership attention, are contested using specific tactics.
The drivers of this political behaviour can be individual (such as a high need for power) or organisational (such as a competitive corporate culture or role ambiguity). When this political atmosphere is not managed healthily, professionalism is replaced by a modern form of feudalism.
Impression Management and the Trap of the Digital ‘Mask’
One of the most fascinating discussions in the 14th Organisational Behaviour module is Impression Management. This is the process by which individuals attempt to control the impressions or perceptions others have of them. Common tactics include conformity (agreeing with the boss’s opinion to gain favour), favours (helping with ulterior motives), and self-promotion (intensively highlighting one’s own successes).
In the digital era, this impression management has undergone extraordinary amplification. Professional social media has transformed into a corporate ‘theatre stage’. We often see overly proud narratives about work achievements packaged in an aesthetic manner, even though the actual contribution on the ground may be mediocre.
From a sociological and organisational perspective, impression management is a legitimate political tactic for building a reputation. However, when done excessively without being supported by real capability, it breeds a modern version of the ‘just keep the boss happy’ (asal bapak senang) culture. The impact is fatal to the mental health of other employees and can destroy the objectivity of a company’s performance appraisal.
Long-Term Reflection: Politics that Builds, Not Destroys
As a reflection, politics and power in organisations are inherently neutral. They become destructive when used selfishly for factional interests, and constructive when used as a tool to drive positive change, unify a vision, and execute strategies that bring collective prosperity.
For students, practitioners, and the general public currently observing political dynamics at both the corporate and macro-national levels, understanding Organisational Behaviour teaches us to be realistic yet ethical. We must not be naive and close our eyes to the reality of office politics. On the other hand, we must not lose our integrity in the pursuit of momentary power using manipulative tactics.
Ultimately, on whatever political stage we stand, true competence and an honest track record are the currencies that will remain valuable when all the masks of impression management are forced to come off.