The role of politics in IS career progression

Information systems (IS) training and career opportunities frequently empha size the need for a range of skills. This paper examines the role of politi cs in the promotion of IS professionals. Most studies take a management per spective when looking at the skills required of employees. In this study, t he views of the employees are considered. A systems view is taken which all ows a holistic interpretation of the complex organizational reality and whi ch acknowledges emergent properties. The case study of an IS department is examined through multiple interpretat ions using a dialectical hermeneutics approach. The main difference from pr evious studies is the emphasis in career progression given to the role of p olitics by IS practitioners. Politics in careers manifests itself in both l egitimate and undesirable ways. These include negotiation and persuasion, m anoeuvring for a better position, systems of favours and developing strateg ic friendships. A systems perspective is useful in helping the employee und erstand the nature of the situation he/she is faced with and in making a de cision on the right course of action to take. Politics is usually seen as a very informal aspect of organizational life. Hence, its management, particularly of the less desirable aspects, is diffi cult and rarely done well. Managers need to be aware of what is happening i n their organization and manage the potentially undesirable aspects of poli tical activity. They can do this by reducing uncertainty attached to organi zational procedures, rules of conduct and ethical behaviour in the workplac e. In the case of careers, they can manage job assignments better and set u p and manage effective job assessment procedures. Copyright (C) 1999 John W iley & Sons, Ltd.