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Enjoying Your Work Richard Brislin |
Machiavellian tactics
will likely backfire in
the workplaceWanting changes made in the organization he owned, Martin Snyder knew that he would be unpopular if he was seen as the major agent of his plans for the future. The changes involved a reorganization of the company, layoffs, modifications of employees job descriptions, and transfers to a branch office 30 miles from some employees' homes. So Martin hired John Fletcher and gave him the title of vice-president for administration.
John talked to all the employees and seemed attentive and concerned about people's welfare. After a month, John instituted the exact changes that Martin had in mind all along. Employees began to complain, but Martin told them, "To be fair to John, we have to give him some time to see if his changes bring improvements to the company."
After a year, the organization's remaining employees called a meeting with Martin to update their complaints. Martin listened carefully, then agreed to fire John. Employees were extremely pleased and felt that Martin had made a tough decision with their best interests in mind. However, by the time Martin fired John all of his desired changes were in place. Employees had become tolerant of the changes and agreed that it would be even more upsetting and confusing to go back to the old ways. Martin reaped multiple benefits. His changes were in place but he was not seen as the major source of unpopular company policies. He became a hero in the eyes of his employees for firing John.
This tactic was described by Niccolo Machiavelli in his classic book, "The Prince." Machiavelli was born in Florence and lived during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He was a civil servant who held a variety of posts, and he was a very astute observer of human behavior. By writing observations about how a ruler could acquire and maintain power, he felt that he would gain favor from members of the influential Medici family. At the time of Machiavelli's observations concerning power, Florence was politically unstable and there were constant threats from various usurpers who wanted to dispose of any current ruler. Machiavelli gave advice that he thought was practical in the context of this instability. People who ignore the times in which he lived accuse Machiavelli of power strategies that favor manipulation and treachery over ethics, decency, and respect for people being governed. For this reason, manipulative and backstabbing tactics in the workplace have become known as "Machiavellian."
This is not a tactic that I recommend be used. Over the long run, given today's world where good employees can leave an organization and find work elsewhere, such tactics can work against an employer's goals. Executives who use such tactics will develop a negative reputation and will not be able to attract good employees. Executives may be able to use such schemes once or twice, but will damage themselves if use of the tactics becomes habitual. This is especially true in Hawaii where people know each other, talk about each other, and have very good memories for abusive behaviors that were directed at them.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
The purpose of this column is to increase understanding of human behavior as it has an impact on the workplace. Given the amount of time people spend at work, job satisfaction should ideally be high and it should contribute to general life happiness. Enjoyment can increase as people learn more about workplace psychology, communication, and group influences.
Richard Brislin is a professor in the College of Business Administration, University of Hawaii. He can be reached through the College Relations Office: cro@cba.hawaii.edu