OGL 481 Pro-Seminar I:

PCA-Political Frame Worksheet

Worksheet Objectives:
1. Describe the political frame
2. Apply the political frame to your personal case situation

Complete the following making sure to support your ideas and cite from the textbook and other
course materials per APA guidelines. After the peer review, you have a chance to update this and
format for your Electronic Portfolio due in Module 6.

1) Briefly restate your situation from Module 1 and your role.

The organization I worked for is Starbucks, a renowned coffeehouse chain known

for its commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences. I joined Starbucks as
an Assistant Store Manager, which allowed me to immerse myself in their dedication to
delivering quality products and outstanding service. Here at Starbucks, during the
pandemic, leadership had to reframe their thinking as to what was the customers
priorities. “Frames define the questions and solutions we consider” (Berger, 2014). Going
from the experience to a pick-up order and go was a concept that Starbucks had stay
away from until recently.

2) Describe how the politics of the organization influenced the situation.

During the pandemic, the organizational backdrop of Starbucks was tightly linked
to the organization's identity and ideals. Starbucks has long prided itself on providing a
welcoming in-store environment where customers can stay, enjoy their coffee, and
engage in social interactions. The opposition to implementing a pick-up order and
go, model, was most likely motivated by a wish to maintain this beloved feature of
Starbucks' brand. Politically, this opposition might have been fuelled by internal groups
arguing for the preservation of old roles and practices, such as barista positions and
Starbucks shop atmosphere.

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 It's reasonable that some employees and stakeholders may have been hesitant to
embrace such a substantial shift. “Goals and decisions emerge from bargaining,
negotiation, jockeying for position among competing stakeholders” (Bolman, L. G.,&
Deal, 2021, p. 193). This opposition may have been prompted by a real devotion to the
company's culture and a worry that changing the strategy would disturb the sense of
community that Starbucks stores had developed over time. “Agreement and harmony are
easier to achieve when everyone shares similar values, beleifs, and cultural ways”
(Bolman, L. G.,& Deal, 2021, p. 193).While well-intended, such worries might have
sparked internal disputes, conflicts, and possibly power struggles inside the organization.

Finally, addressing these political complexities requires strong leadership capable

of balancing the need to adapt to evolving customer demands while honoring the feelings
and values that distinguish Starbucks. This example highlights the difficulty of managing
organizational politics during times of upheaval, when the tug of war-between tradition
and innovation may be especially strong.

3) Recommend how you would use organizational politics for an alternative course of
action regarding your case.

Starbucks' political framework during the pandemic should provide an alternate

course of action to balance internal power dynamics and stakeholder interests.
“Academics and managers alike often assumed that organizations have, or ought to have
a clear and consistent goals set at the top” (Bolman, L. G.,& Deal, 2021, p. 196). Start by
including store managers, regional leadership, and prominent workers in decision-
making. This strategy recognizes these people' political power and secures their early
support. Framing the proposed changes as a group effort to retain Starbucks' customer
service principles while responding to modern requirements might also win support and
reduce resistance.

A smart communication plan is also essential. Internal communication channels

may assist in building the narrative and win support from politically influential
employees and middle management by highlighting the advantages of the planned
changes and Starbucks' long-term goal. “ At every level in organizations, alliances form

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 because members have interests in common and believe they can do more together than
apart” (Bolman, L. G., & Deal, 2021, p. 198). The organization may foster change by
aggressively addressing misunderstandings and anxieties. Leveraging organizational
politics strategically entails identifying and engaging key power individuals, aligning
their interests with the proposed changes, and framing the story to minimize resistance
while retaining Starbucks' brand identity.

Reflect on what you would do or not do differently given what you have learned
about this frame.

Given the insights provided by this political paradigm, I would handle the issue at
Starbucks during the pandemic in a more strategic and inclusive manner. Recognizing the
importance of organizational politics, I would aggressively interact with important
stakeholders, such as influential workers and shop managers, to get their feedback and
resolve their problems. This strategy recognizes their political clout and guarantees that
their viewpoints are taken into account from the start, potentially lessening opposition to
change.

Understanding the significance of a strong communication strategy. Recognizing that the

narrative's framing has a significant impact on how changes are perceived, I would work
on crafting a message that emphasizes the benefits of the proposed changes, such as
improved customer service and adaptability, while also emphasizing the organization's
commitment to its core values. I would prioritize the establishment of incentive
programs to inspire employees and connect their interests with the aims of the firm.
Recognizing the political significance of employee morale and satisfaction, these
initiatives may aid in the transition to a new operating paradigm.

Overall, I would like to use the organizational political dynamics to efficiently support
change while keeping the core of Starbucks' brand identity. The major takeaway would
be to involve stakeholders proactively, communicate strategically, and establish
incentives that line with desired objectives.

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 References

- Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2021). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and
leadership (7th ed.)
- Berger, W. (2014). Bloomsbury USA; 1st edition (March 4, 2014).