EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF OFFICE POLITICS ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND WORKPLACE HARMONY IN CAMEROONIAN FIRMS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Office politics is an intrinsic and sometimes unspoken element of the contemporary workplace, where the dynamics of human contact meet with the pursuit of professional objectives.  Within this domain, aspirations, individual traits, and conflicts for authority intertwine, occasionally in a subtle manner and other times more openly, resulting in a complex network of sway and fascination (Fofanah, 2021).  Gaining a deep comprehension of the psychology underlying office politics is crucial for individuals aiming to excel in a professional setting. This understanding not only uncovers the reasons behind its existence but also provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and strategies to effectively navigate and, if required, become proficient in this intricate realm. The dynamics of office politics can have both positive and negative effects. On one hand, networking can serve as a catalyst for job advancement, enabling individuals to progress by establishing connections, utilising their influence, and obtaining assistance from colleagues and superiors (King, 2021). Conversely, it has the potential to generate conflict, undermine trust, and establish a setting where individual benefits frequently outweigh communal objectives (Ihuefo et al., 2020). In order to effectively navigate office politics, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of its fundamental principles.

Office politics is a range of behaviours, typically informal and clandestine, which individuals employ to acquire influence and benefits within the office. These behaviours may encompass actions such as establishing alliances, using personal connections, showing favouritism, and occasionally employing manipulative tactics. Although workplace politics may occasionally yield favourable results, more often than not it results in conflict, diminished morale, and a lack of trust among employees. According to Samet and Ozgur (2017), workplace politics refers to the utilisation of authority to achieve outcomes that are not sanctioned by the workplace or organisation, or by employing methods that are likewise not sanctioned by the organisation. Workplace politics can be defined as a collection of social-influencing activities that occur within an organisation with the aim of hindering individual advantages, whether in the short or long term (Nihat, 2019).

Conflict resolution pertains to the techniques and procedures used to facilitate the peaceful resolution and reparation of conflicts. Efficient conflict resolution is crucial for sustaining a productive work environment, since unresolved disagreements can result in stress, reduced productivity, and elevated turnover rates (Usman, 2022). Essential elements of successful conflict resolution encompass proficient communication, skilful negotiating, and adept problem-solving abilities. Workplace harmony is defined as a work atmosphere that fosters collaboration and cooperation, where people are treated with respect, appreciation, and are driven to work collectively towards shared objectives. An ideal office environment is characterised by less conflict, elevated employee morale, and robust interpersonal connections. It is crucial for promoting innovation, enhancing productivity, and improving overall organisational performance. According to Max et al. (2021), Office politics can exacerbate problems by fostering divisions and encouraging contentious behaviours. When individuals employ political strategies to undermine others, it can result in heightened tension and unresolved conflicts. Supporting this assertion, Shole (2022) asserts that in settings characterised by elevated degrees of office politics, achieving unbiased conflict resolution becomes arduous. Prejudices and partiality can hinder equitable and efficient settlement procedures.

Furthermore, Jason (2021) argues that workplace politics fosters animosity and undermines trust within an organisation. Individuals that were outwitted may encounter challenges when collaborating with the selected individual. The personnel who has been outsmarted will have difficulty trusting the individual who has been selected, and may struggle to engage in informal communication with them. Informal communication plays a significant role in accomplishing organisational goals and objectives. Elevated levels of office politics can lead to the formation of factions and cliques among employees, resulting in splits within the company (Baron, 2018). This can undermine workplace cohesion, diminishing cooperation and intensifying conflict. In contrast, Martin (2019) argues that office politics fosters a beneficial sense of competition among employees. Competition is commonly assumed to lead to increased effectiveness and efficiency in social phenomena. Engaging in political activities within an organisation allows the qualities of individuals seeking for leadership positions to be revealed, providing those in charge with the opportunity to select the most suitable candidate who will ensure maximum organisational productivity (Jude et al., 2020). During the process of lobbying for a post, the aspirant would have presented their plan and outlined the strategies they would employ to attain their goals. This allows the decision-makers to examine the qualifications of the individuals vying for the position (Martin, 2019).

Office politics refers to the tactics and actions that people use to obtain an edge in the workplace, often at the cost of others or the organization's objectives. It is a widespread problem in many organisations (Daubrumu, 2023). The impact of office politics on dispute resolution and workplace harmony is a crucial subject of investigation in Cameroonian enterprises, as it has the ability to influence organisational efficiency, employee happiness, and overall business performance. Cameroon's socio-cultural and economic environment has distinct characteristics that influence how organisations behave. The presence of traditional hierarchical systems, ethnic variety, and disparities in economic development among different regions might shape the characteristics and consequences of office politics in Cameroonian companies. These factors can also impact the emergence and resolution of conflicts, as well as the overall cohesion within the workplace. This study aims to examine the impact of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony in Cameroonian enterprises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Office politics, which involves power dynamics, bias towards certain individuals, and the manipulation of personal connections to shape workplace choices, is a widespread problem that can have a substantial impact on different aspects of an organization's operations. Office politics in Cameroonian enterprises can present significant obstacles to resolving conflicts and maintaining a harmonious workplace. Although it is crucial to cultivate a cooperative work atmosphere and efficiently address disagreements, office politics can impede these efforts by creating obstacles.

According to Jason (2021), workplace politics fosters animosity and undermines trust inside an organisation. Individuals that were outwitted may encounter challenges when collaborating with the selected individual. The workforce who has been outsmarted will have difficulty trusting the individual who has been selected, which may hinder informal communication. Informal communication plays a significant role in accomplishing organisational goals and objectives. Excessive levels of office politics can lead to the formation of factions and cliques among employees, resulting in splits within the company (Baron, 2018). This can undermine workplace cohesion, diminishing cooperation and intensifying conflict.

Office politics in Cameroonian enterprises may be intensified by conventional hierarchical systems, ethnic variety, and economic gaps among regions, leading to a greater occurrence and influence (Bunta, 2023). These dynamics can result in heightened conflicts, prejudiced conflict resolution procedures, division in the workplace, and reduced employee morale and trust, all of which have a detrimental impact on organisational performance and employee well-being. To effectively promote a productive and pleasant work environment in Cameroonian enterprises, it is crucial to comprehend the influence of office politics on conflict resolution and the cultivation of workplace harmony. 

Nevertheless, there is a dearth of extensive research that examines these particular effects within the distinctive socio-cultural and economic framework of Cameroon. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining the various manifestations and frequency of office politics in Cameroonian companies, as well as evaluating their impact on conflict resolution and overall workplace cohesion. The study seeks to provide insights that can inform the creation of methods to reduce the negative effects of office politics, hence improving organisational effectiveness and establishing a more harmonious and supportive workplace environment.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically evaluate the effect of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony in Cameroonian firms. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To investigate the prevalence and form of office politics within Cameroonian firms.

To assess the Impact of Office Politics on conflict resolution processes within Cameroonian firms

To assess the Impact of Office Politics on workplace harmony within Cameroonian firms 

To recommend strategies for minimizing the negative effects of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

What is the prevalence form of office politics within Cameroonian firms?

What is the Impact of Office Politics on conflict resolution processes within Cameroonian firms?

What is the Impact of Office Politics on workplace harmony within Cameroonian firms?

What are the strategies for minimizing the negative effects of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Office politics have no significant impact on conflict resolution processes within Cameroonian firms.

Ha: Office politics have significant impact on conflict resolution processes within Cameroonian firms.

1.6 Significance of the study

The importance of this study is in its capacity to offer practical and valuable insights that can result in enhanced management strategies, increased employee welfare, and a more cohesive work environment in Cameroonian companies. 

Analyse the impact of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony to enable organisations in Cameroon to recognise obstacles to efficient communication and collaboration. This observation can result in the formulation of tactics to enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation. The study aims to examine the influence of office politics on workplace harmony, with the goal of identifying key elements that contribute to employee unhappiness. By tackling these concerns, it is possible to achieve enhanced job satisfaction, elevated morale, and heightened rates of employee retention.

Moreover, the results can provide guidance to leaders and managers in implementing equitable and more open procedures, thus mitigating the adverse effects of office politics. Implementing effective leadership techniques helps cultivate a work climate that is more helpful and harmonious. The study can provide insights into how workplace politics impacts the conflict resolution process, enabling companies to enhance their approach to managing disagreements. Implementing more effective conflict resolution tactics can result in expedited and fairer resolutions, hence promoting greater workplace harmony.

Moreover, the study can provide valuable insights to policy makers and HR professionals regarding the influence of office politics, hence facilitating the creation of specific policies and initiatives to alleviate its adverse consequences.

Moreover, comprehending and tackling the obstacles presented by office politics can enhance the holistic growth of the economic environment in Cameroon. This has the potential to bolster the competitiveness and expansion of domestic enterprises, thereby boosting the whole economy.

In conclusion, the study provides a thorough examination of the impact of office politics within a particular geographical area, making it a valuable reference point for future investigations. Additionally, it has the potential to enhance the overall understanding of organisational behaviour and management techniques. 

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically evaluate the effect of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony in Cameroonian firms. Specifically, this study seeks to investigate the prevalence and form of office politics within Cameroonian firms and assess the Impact of Office Politics on conflict resolution processes within Cameroonian firms. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the Impact of Office Politics on workplace harmony within Cameroonian firms and it also seeks to recommend strategies for minimizing the negative effects of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony.

 The study is carried out in Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

As with any human endeavour, the researchers faced many minor constraints during the investigation. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, due to the limited availability of data about the assessment of the impact of office politics on conflict resolution and workplace harmony in Cameroonian companies. Hence, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to ascertain the appropriate materials, books, or information and amass data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focussing solely on Cameroon. Therefore, the results of this study cannot be generalised, thus requiring further investigation. 

Moreover, the researcher's restrictions were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student without any source of income to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation costs at the research location posed a challenge in terms of affording transportation fees.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to conduct this study while still fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Politics: Politics is activities aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organization.

Office politics: Also known as office politics and organizational politics, it involves the use of power and social networking within a workplace to achieve changes that benefit individuals within it.

Organizational commitment: Organizational commitment refers to the level of engagement and dedication team members feel toward their individual jobs and the organization. It also describes the different reasons professionals remain with an employer rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.