Administrative Politics or Organizational Strategy? Redefining Political Skills as Essential Managerial Tools

Political skills are often viewed with skepticism and are typically associated with manipulation, power-seeking, or self-interest. This negative perception has led many managers and leaders to avoid addressing these skills or to underestimate their importance. However, in complex, competitive, and dynamic organizational environments where rapid change, conflicting interests, and informal structures play a decisive role the ability to understand, interpret, and influence internal politics is increasingly recognized as a vital managerial competency. This article redefines political behavior not as superficial office theatrics or a means of gaining power, but as a set of strategic skills rooted in organizational awareness, effective relationship-building, understanding key actors, and applying ethical influence. From this perspective, political intelligence enables managers to navigate complexity while upholding organizational values, make more effective decisions, facilitate cross-functional collaboration, and lead organizational change efficiently. Drawing on theories of transformational leadership, organizational behavior, and real-world case studies, the article demonstrates that political competence can function as a key lever for managerial success. It also provides frameworks and practical strategies for developing and applying political intelligence in an ethical, intentional, and effective manner.

کلیدواژه ها:

Administrative Politics ، Organizational Strategy ، Redefining Political Skills ، Managerial Tools