The main focus of the resource based theory of a firm is the acquisition of sustainable
competitive advantage over other firms in the industry (Olalla, 1999). The uniqueness of a
firm’s resources is considered as the basis for the strategic competitive edge achieved by the
firm (Acedo, Barroso, and Galan, 2006). The concept of corporate politics also suggest that
individuals express political behaviour targeted at acquiring power or a competitive edge over
other individuals aimed at achieving personal or group interests within an organization
(Vigoda, 2000). Thus this study seeks to explore a possible linkage between the themes of the
resource based theory and the expression of political behaviours within a firm.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The concept of resources in an organization
3. Resource based view as a theory
3.1 Main assumptions of the theory
3.2 Classification of resources
4. The nature of corporate politics
5. The link between corporate politics and resource based view
6. Organizational factors that motivate political behaviour
6.1 Pyramid- shaped organization structure
6.2 Subjective standards of performance
6.3 Environmental uncertainty and turbulence
6.4 Emotional insecurity
6.5 Manipulative tendencies
7. Political resources employed by individuals to gain power or competitive edge
7.1 Relational skills
7.2 Expertise
7.3 Access to relevant information
7.4 Display of loyalty
7.5 Rational persuasion
8. Conclusion and Implications for management
Research Objectives and Themes
This study aims to explore the theoretical nexus between the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and the phenomenon of corporate politics, investigating how individuals utilize political behaviors as a strategic resource to gain influence or competitive advantages within an organizational structure.
- Theoretical integration of RBV and organizational behavior.
- Examination of political tactics as intangible resources.
- Analysis of organizational factors driving political climate.
- Assessment of the impact of political behavior on organizational performance.
Excerpt from the Publication
The link between corporate politics and resource based view
The resource based view emphasizes on strategies adopted by a firm targeted at gaining competitive advantage over other firms in the industry. Gaining competitive advantage through strategic approaches adopted by firms is synonymous to the struggle for power acquisition evident among individuals within an organization. Though the resource based theory focuses on gaining strategic edges between firms based on the uniqueness of resources owned by the competing firms in the industry, however the ideology can be adopted to explain the political behaviours of individuals within an organization. Individuals within an organization also efficiently and effectively use their unique resources such as political acumen and reputation to gain competitive edge over other individuals or groups within an organization. As earlier stated political acumen and reputation as argued by Rousso, and Fort, (1997) is a form of intangible resources employed by individuals within an organization targeted at the acquisition of perceived power or competitive edge or the achievement of their personal goals or interests.
Researchers such as Schuler, Rehbein, and Cramer, (2002), Dahan, (2005), Oliver and Holzinger (2008) have studied the relationship between corporate politics and the resource based view with a focus on examining the political behaviours expressed by firms in order to gain competitive advantage over other firms by effectively and efficiently exploiting the stock of unique resources available to them. However the approach of this study is to adopt the philosophical theory of the resource based view geared towards providing a basis for the political behaviour of individuals within a firm.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the core premise of linking the resource-based theory to corporate political behavior to achieve competitive advantage.
The concept of resources in an organization: Defines organizational resources based on influential literature, establishing them as assets for firm efficiency.
Resource based view as a theory: Explores the philosophical foundations, assumptions, and classifications of the resource-based view in strategic management.
The nature of corporate politics: Examines organizational politics as activities geared towards power acquisition and the influence of others.
The link between corporate politics and resource based view: Connects the competitive nature of firms to the political struggles of individuals for power within an organization.
Organizational factors that motivate political behaviour: Identifies structural and environmental triggers, such as hierarchy and uncertainty, that foster political climates.
Political resources employed by individuals to gain power or competitive edge: Details specific intangible assets, like relational skills and expertise, used as political tools.
Conclusion and Implications for management: Summarizes the study and discusses both the positive and negative implications of corporate politics for management.
Keywords
Resource based theory, Corporate politics, Competitive advantage, Organizational power, Political behavior, Strategic management, Intangible resources, Political acumen, Organizational hierarchy, Performance management, Firm resources, Workplace lobbying, Rational persuasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the link between the resource-based theory of the firm and corporate politics, suggesting that political behavior can be viewed as an attempt to acquire power similar to how firms acquire competitive advantage.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The themes include the strategic value of organizational resources, the nature of corporate politics, the hierarchy of organizations, and the identification of political tactics as intangible resources.
What is the central research objective?
The objective is to provide a theoretical basis for understanding individual political behavior within firms by applying the philosophical framework of the resource-based view.
Which scientific method is utilized in this study?
This study employs a conceptual and theoretical analysis, synthesizing existing literature on strategic management and organizational behavior to establish a new link between two distinct academic fields.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the definition of organizational resources, the assumptions of the resource-based theory, the motivation behind organizational politics, and the specific resources individuals use to gain influence.
How would you characterize the work using keywords?
The work is characterized by terms like resource-based theory, corporate politics, competitive advantage, and organizational power.
How does the hierarchical structure of an organization affect political behavior?
The paper explains that pyramid-shaped structures create stiff competition for top-level resources and power, which in turn fosters a more intense and competitive political environment.
What role does 'political acumen' play for an individual?
Political acumen is identified as an intangible resource that individuals use effectively and efficiently to gain competitive edges over colleagues or groups within the firm.
Does the paper consider corporate politics to be purely negative?
No, the paper notes that while excessive politicking can be harmful, there is a positive side where political skills can facilitate organizational effectiveness and professional alignment with company goals.
- Quote paper
- Maxwell Olokundun (Author), Augusta Amaihian (Author), Fred Inelo (Author), 2014, The link between the resource based theory and corporate politics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/286623
