ABSTRACT
Managing the political arena is an important and unavoidable leadership role. This is because political behaviour is a natural process within organizations. It is both an individual and organizational phenomenon, linked to leadership style, power, influence and competition and different values and interests. Even if everyone’s interests are catered for, there can be a perception that some individuals, groups or organizational units have been treated more favourably than others. The basis for this is often politics and the personal interpretation of facts. It is inevitable in a competitive environment that people will personally interpret the facts to support their own, or their organizational unit’s needs and objectives.
