Observational Life: There Is More To Work Than Working Case Study Examples

Describe someone you know who uses either a “political” or “rational” style at work.

I work with a person named Tristan in sales who has a very political style of work. He is not excellent at sales, in fact, he has a high rate of returns versus sales, but his relationship with his manager is very solid. Tristan has found multiple ways of engineering more than a workplace relationship, but also an external friendship with this manager. Fortunately for Tristan, because he has developed quite the social relation to this manager, the second manager that also oversees sales cannot remove or demote Tristan. However, when it comes to promotions or raises, this second manager has made sure to never give a recommendation on his behalf, as that decision requires both managers to approve the candidate.

Are there situations in which a “political” or “rational” style is more or less effective?

In Tristan’s case, the combination of political and rational style would be useful. He is obviously very geared at connecting and maintaining relationships he sees as valuable, but his lackadaisical work ethic negates the majority of the benefits he could garner from the relationships he builds with his superiors. Tristan’s political style is not effective for him currently, as he has only worked to build that relationship with one superior.
However, to have a rational style in sales is not an ineffective method. To be in sales requires social skills necessary to communicate and create relationships. Working in a rational style in sales is perceivable, however, that would have to be balanced so that you are not supposed only a salesman who does not vocalize their desire to move up.

What are the implications of “political or rational” styles for the coworkers of those using these styles?

Either way, both of the styles are meant to gather attention, whether it is for the amount of work finished by one or the social aptitude of another. The implications on the coworkers of those who apply these political or rational methods, is dependent on their knowledge of the person. A person who works politically can easily be seen as one who seeks only for their self-gain. Yet, a rationally minded employee can be seen as, given by example in the article (Schmidt 3), closed off and content with the work they are given. Further implications of appliers of either of these styles can be seen as suspect by fellow employees or professed to “rely on a limited repertoire of tactics” (Schmidt 6).

Works Cited

Schmidt, Stuart M. “Observational Life: There is More to Work than Working.” Interfase. 1991. 3-7. Print.