Introduction: Politics as the Practice of Possibility

This chapter introduces the main concepts of Organisational Politics Revisited: A Seven-Dimensional Model. (OP-7D Model) as a structured framework for understanding politics as an inherent characteristic of organizational life. Rather than treating politics as manipulation or dysfunction, the Introduction argues that it is a necessary process through which power is distributed, interests are negotiated, conflicts are managed, and collective action becomes possible. Building on classical and contemporary political, organizational theory and field studies, the chapter defines the political actor as someone capable of navigating context, exercising influence responsibly, and aligning strategy under conditions of uncertainty. Political competence is presented as a core leadership capability. To analyze these dynamics systematically, the OP-7D Model decomposes organizational politics into seven interdependent dimensions: Culture, Communication, Power, Networking, Influence, Strategy, and Conflict. The model emphasizes that political effectiveness depends not on mastering a single variable, but on aligning these dimensions coherently. The chapter outlines the theoretical foundations of the model, its empirical basis, and the structure of the book. The OP-7D Model provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing, diagnosing, and developing political capability in organizations.