ABSTRACT

An underlying assumption of behavioural researchers is that individuals are well-balanced human beings who work unselfishly together towards a common objective. In practice, unless the project manager happens to be very fortunate, the reality of people and organizations will not live up to that ideal. Instead, the following conditions are more likely to be encountered:

• The level of trust, mutual support, respect and open communication is generally low. • Teamworking, except in small groups, is rare. • Hostility, even hatred, between individuals and groups is not uncommon. • Conflict is widespread. • Political manoeuvring to achieve power exists in almost every organization. • Political conflict among senior managers is widespread.