Alternative Responses to Exploitation
The Downside
The desirable aspects of having a job and doing it well are clear, but there is a downside because:
all employment occurs within a power-drenched environment.
Anyone who simply rests content at Stage-1: Doing the Job Well opens themselves up to exploitation and the raw end of office politics.
The intensity of power-plays will vary according to the industry and the culture of the particular firm.
Realistic Alternatives
A worthwhile career absolutely requires you to be able to stand up for yourself and deal effectively with unfair behaviour. This involves a degree of self-control and handling work and people firmly and positively.
Learn to handle the power element inherent in organizational life by moving to Stage-2: Working the System.
You must know the law of the land and stipulations in contracts of employment, and you should join a professional body or trade union.
This part of the website may not be for you—however, you might be interested in other relevant frameworks: e.g. politics in organizations.
As for work, you must be prepared to move to a new job if things become intolerable for you: i.e. you will stay in Stage-1 with a job focus.
Just rely on yourself. Take whatever you have learned and set up your own business or professional practice i.e. stay , but move to an .
You will find highly relevant material in this THEE set of frameworks including:
- harnessing staff to your goals
- knowing where markets get their values
- getting cooperation
- becoming more profitable
- devising marketing strategies
If you want to understand your employees, continue the journey as an observer. The next stop is Stage-2: Working the system.
-
Remind yourself that it is the adventure of a lifetime.
-
If you are ready, continue to Stage-2: Working the system.
Originally posted: July 2009