Navigating the Shark Tank. Power Games and Micropolitical Competence in Academia
Are you navigating the ‚shark tank‘, just trying to survive, do you feel like a ‚shark‘, or are you actually placed in a peaceful ‚goldfish pond‘? Concerning social interactions, research environments may vary a great deal!
In Germany and elsewhere researchers are embedded in specific hierarchical constellations. Regardless of their position at the top, middle or lower levels of their organization, sometimes they meet irritating and even incomprehensible behavior and outcomes: formal regulations may be bypassed, expertise and institutionally defined responsibility may turn out to be unimportant when decisions are taken, rival camps may impede reasonable cooperation, etc.
Online-Interactive Talk
Date
Tuesday, 20th of June 2023
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Trainer
Dr. Veronika Fuest | in-cooperation
Language
English
Place
online
Targetgroup
Women Scientists at the University of Bonn
Deadline for registration
Datum
Available for
max. 40 persons
Content
Some processes involving power games are perceived as unproductive, frustrating or even annoying. However, experience also tells us that difficult situations can be mastered by analyzing the dynamics of key situations and of the players‘ interests involved, by skillful communication and, generally, by a power-conscious approach.
The theoretical approach of micropolitics and its conceptual enhancement provide a framework to systematically grasp manifestations of the everyday uses of power in organizations. However, micropolitics is not just about people in leadership positions or about power-abuse. In fact, self-interests are pursued at all organizational levels and may be ethically motivated. Individual or collective strategies are used to exert informal influence or to avoid control by others. Of central interest is the question of power resources, also from a diversity perspective.
The subject matter of the talk can enrich your (virtual) tea kitchen talks with an important shadow topic in your own organization. Above all, you can deepen your understanding of the power processes and the „games“ played in your own environment. Also you have the opportunity to reflect on your own power resources and roles in micropolitical games - as ‚victims‘ or ‚actors‘ – supported by a systematic and unbiased approach.
FAQ
No, all costs are covered by the Gender Equality Office.
Yes. If an event is booked up, we will put you on the wait list. You will be moved up and notified if another person withdraws before the event begins.
There is limited accessibility in the rooms of the Gender Equality Office, though not all events take place here. If you need help accessing the event location, please get in touch with the contact person listed on the event page so we can assist you on the day of the event.
If you need to make use of childcare services during an event, please contact the University of Bonn Office of Family Services.
In order to be able to participate in events offered by the University of Bonn Gender Equality Office, you must be employed by, studying at, completing a doctorate or doing research at the University of Bonn, or be a member of an affiliated research organization.
If you need a certificate confirming your participation in one of our events, please contact our office via email at events(at)zgb.uni-bonn.de
If you wish to receive credits for your participation as part of the Doctorate plus program, please get in touch with the contact persons listed on their website to find out how many units each event covers.
If you wish to receive credits for your participation as part of the Doctorate plus program, please get in touch with the contact persons listed on their website to find out how many units each event covers.
