ABSTRACT
However, participants in a variety of organizations understand very quickly that their organization has another aspect-a political one-which is based on an explicit or implicit barter system that accompanies nearly every matter and issue in the organization. This aspect reflects the power struggle between the different stakeholders who strive to realize their objectives. The political aspect of organizations does not correspond to the organizational objectives and goals, and does not necessarily assist in achieving them. From this point of view, orga nizations can be regarded as political arenas where individuals and groups fight to advance their interests or the interests of those standing behind them, at the expense of the organization in general. Therefore, from the organization point of view, the political aspect represents the non-rational, non-sanctioned, and to a certain degree the more hidden side of the organization. In accordance with this approach, Tom Bums described this political aspect of organizations:
Corporations are co-operative systems assembled out of usable attributes of people. They are also social systems within which people compete for advancement; in so doing they may make use of others. Behavior is identified as political when others are made use of as resources in competitive situations.... The hierarchic order of rank and power that prevails in them is at the same time a single control system and a career ladder.... Politics are the exploitation of resources, both physical and human, for the achievement of more control over others, and thus of safer, or more comfortable, or more satisfying terms of individual existence.2
