Political strategies and power tactics are necessary for the effective im
plementation of systemic change programs in organizations. Since the
organization is a highly political environment, the consultant needs to
develop both power bases and power strategies if he is to operate effi
ciently within such an environment. A number of such strategies can be
used by the change agent including aligning with a powerful other,
trade-off, research, using a neutral cover, limiting communication, and
withdrawing. Although such tactics may currently cause value dilemmas
for the OD consultant, they may prove to be realistic and worthwhile
courses of action.
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