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More Than Just A Number
On the workplace power struggles that form and shape us
In the workplace, we encounter persistent yet subtle (sometimes not so subtle) power struggles that shape our experiences, growth, and well-being. These struggles revolve around personal control, autonomy, and our sense of worth and are a consequence of the dichotomy between our human needs and the needs of the organisation. The organisation is made of people, of course, and so it is the power needs of certain people that are reflected in the primary aims of the organisation. Come to work, and do as you are instructed, it says. Don’t rock the boat, and we’ll compensate you just enough to pay your bills and have some nice things like a car and a holiday or two each year. And on occasion, we’ll increase your workload without consulting with you and you’ll just need to get on with it because, well, it’s just company policy. Besides, you agreed to it when you signed the contract. Give us jip, and we’ll wear you down with cold hard non-human disciplinary action resulting ultimately in you leaving, worn out and half-broken.
There are varying extents to which organisations will go to ensure it, but make no mistake, they require your compliance and ensure that certain personality types are on hand to enforce the rules. You know the ones–little time for engagement with the lower orders, blunt…
