Common Sense Notions of Political Action and Power Essay

Common Sense Notions of Political Action and Power - Essay Example g whether it be on certain issues or the election of a representative, starting a petition on a certain issue, sending a message through social media, or participating in a committee. Therefore, taking these definitions and examples into account it would be safe for us to assume that there are two groups of people involved in the political action process. The first group is the one that is seeking to send out a message and the second group is the one who will receive the message. In fact, according to Micheal Kaulbars (2009), a trained research biologist who is very active on environmental and social justice issues, the standard model of political struggle includes two groups; the activists and the target. In this model he describes the activists as the group of people who use protests, petitions, hunger strikes, and other forms of campaigning techniques to directly influence their target’s behavior. The target in response to these actions creates counter groups and media camp aigns to influence the activist’s behavior. Kaulbars (2009) criticizes this model of political action as being ‘too’ simplified. In fact, this standard model is a perfect description of the â€Å"common sense† notions surrounding political action. According to him, this model is unsuccessful at explaining political action because the activists described rarely have enough power to make a difference. Hence, now that we know a little more about political action we must analyze what part it may play in the running of an organization? In fact in order to understand an organization we must look at it as a political system (Management Consulting Courses, n.d). To elaborate on this further we must redefine politics in relation to an organization. In an organization, politics are a means to recognize and reconcile conflicting interests between individuals. This makes sense as organizations; especially large ones are made up of a number of very diverse individuals which will no doubt translate into diversity in interests and agendas. Hence, it is safe to say that organizations create an environment that is perfect for political action. In fact, according to Ammeter et al., (2002), there are three basic levels of political action in organizations; individual, coalition and network. At the individual level leaders try to influence individuals in the organization through one-on-one relationships. Furthermore, at the coalition level, coalitions are formed by leaders through convincing peers, subordinates and other members in the organization to join a force in order to pursue common interests. Lastly, in the network level, individuals and groups are tied together into an interconnected system. Therefore, we may look at the networking level as a result of the individual and the coalition level. First individuals are influenced which leads to the formation of groups eventually leading to the formation of a network. To elaborate further on political action

From Colonialism to the New Humanity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

From Colonialism to the New Humanity - Essay Example As the study declares that the colonization precipitated the awakening of national consciousness of the colonized. One could state equally that it moderated the tempo of this awareness by keeping the colonized apart from the true conditions of contemporary citizenship. It is this quotation from the Albert Memmi’s work that he explains the formation of nationalism within the hearts of the colonized. Hence, the author implies that there is, indeed, a distinction in the existence between the colonizer and the colonized in a colonial context. He specifically reiterates that the colonized lives in a condition which is absolute – a condition dictated by the colonized. With such, the colonized will inevitably seek for a compromise in order to break the absolute condition imposed by their colonial masters. A rough sketch is then created out of the author’s narrative of how the colonial mentality dwells within the minds of those subjugated. It can be said that colonialism can bring about the deed for revolt, hence toppling the colonized society and its masters. He makes clear that it is through violence, pushed by the abstract force of nationalism, that change can be attained. It is clear that Memmi explains how the road to a post-colonial society functions – that the prerequisite of nationalism and revolution will overthrow the existing system to create a new society. The pretext of a colonial society is further expounded by Aime Cesaire. He explains that the initial purpose of colonization – which is to have contact with other civilizations – is not what it seemed to be. The author suggests that colonization bears no human contact; it only creates a relationship of domination and subjugation. In this case, the dominating force will be the colonizer and the subjugated force will be the colonized. To add to this, the author creates a sense of anachronism within the European’s notion of colonialism. He says that Europe is a hypocrite with its idea of bringing change to a savage society. He explains that the colonial masters were incapable of creating distinctions between the notion of reason and conscience. This study outlines that Europe utilizes its power to deceive and to create an inevitable hatred amongst other peoples and races. Both Memmi and Cesaire clearly create a definitive stand about colonization and the repercussions they bring unto a particular society. Both authors present that the stratifications of the colonizer and the colonized create conflict with one another. They narrate that subjugation is the primary notion that pushes the oppressed into a collective action which can change the existing system. Also, the concept of nationalism is presented as a tool of creating the sense of heroism within every subjugated individual. Nationalism and collective action will inevitably lead to violence which is directed to a purpose of social change.