Anatomy of workplace politics in schools |
In the workplace politics (WP) in educational institutions, nexus currency always demonetises the currency of performance. Power groups emerge through cliques and clouts based on subjects, castes, creeds or vested interests. They arm-twist the heads of institutions to get undue favours or to spite colleagues who do not buy into their agenda.
The educationists aver that the heydays of WP are when the administration seat lies vacant and the senior among the staff helms the affairs. What rules the roost then is nothing but favouritism and vendetta. Without any formal training in institutional leadership, organisational psychology or conflict resolution, an in-charge head is ill-equipped to manage staff dynamics or to create a positive institutional culture.
Ingratiating banqueting is another successful ploy to hijack the chair. Dinners and treats are thrown lavishly to expand the clout or garner the head's approval for unfair demands (e.g., excessive leaves of absence or ex-Pakistan leave) and preferential permission to join non-teaching duties........