Introduction

Reality television has become a prominent form of entertainment, offering viewers a glimpse into various aspects of human behavior, including power dynamics, influence, and coalition formation. This paper explores the observations made while watching reality TV shows like Survivor, Top Chef, Keeping up with the Kardashians, and The Apprentice through the lens of the political frame. It delves into the elements of power, influence, and coalition formation, drawing parallels between the depictions on these shows and real-world organizations. Additionally, it addresses the importance of understanding these dynamics for future public administrators and offers possible solutions to the questions posed by fellow students.

The Political Frame in Reality Television

Power Dynamics

One of the most striking aspects observed in reality television shows is the central role of power dynamics. Contestants or characters often vie for control and authority within the confines of the show’s structure. In Survivor, for instance, contestants form alliances and strategize to gain an advantage. This aligns with the concept of power as described by Bolman and Deal (2017), who emphasize that power can be both legitimate and illegitimate, with the former being granted by the organization’s formal structure and the latter emerging through personal influence.

Influence and manipulation tactics are frequently employed in reality TV. Contestants on The Apprentice, led by the charismatic Donald Trump, use persuasion and negotiation to advance their interests. This mirrors the influence processes discussed by Cialdini (2016), where individuals employ tactics such as reciprocity and authority to exert influence over others.

Coalition Formation

Coalition formation is another prominent theme in reality television. Contestants often align themselves with others who share similar goals or values, forming temporary alliances to increase their chances of success. This is evident in shows like Survivor, where strategic partnerships are crucial for survival.

In organizations, coalition formation is a common political strategy (Mintzberg, 2017). Employees form alliances to advocate for their interests, influence decision-making, or challenge the status quo. Understanding the dynamics of coalition formation in reality TV can provide insights into how similar processes occur in real-world organizations.

Conflicts and Negotiations

Reality television thrives on conflicts and negotiations. Whether it’s the drama between contestants on Keeping up with the Kardashians or the intense culinary battles on Top Chef, these shows exemplify the need for individuals to navigate disagreements and reach compromises.

In public administration, conflicts and negotiations are integral to decision-making and policy development (Bryson & Crosby, 2017). Future administrators can learn valuable lessons from observing how conflicts are managed and resolved in the context of reality TV.

Observations and Questions

Consistency with Reality

One question that arises is the extent to which the power dynamics, influence, and coalition formation observed in reality TV reflect the reality of some organizations. While the extreme scenarios portrayed on these shows may not directly mirror everyday workplace dynamics, it is essential to delve deeper into the parallels that exist. Organizations often involve power struggles, influence games, and the formation of alliances to achieve objectives, much like the dramatized versions seen on reality TV.

In examining these parallels, it becomes evident that reality TV provides a heightened and exaggerated view of organizational politics. However, beneath the drama and theatrics lie fundamental truths about human behavior in organizations. For example, the alliances formed in Survivor to secure a majority vote or the aggressive competitiveness displayed on The Apprentice may appear exaggerated, but they reflect the fundamental drive individuals often have in organizational settings.

Surprising Discoveries

Some aspects of reality television can be genuinely surprising, challenging our preconceived notions about how organizations operate. For instance, the cutthroat nature of competition on shows like The Apprentice may shock viewers who are unfamiliar with such intensity. However, this competitiveness resonates with the competitive environments found in some organizations, where individuals vie for promotions, recognition, or limited resources.

The surprise factor lies in the stark contrast between the idealized image of teamwork and cooperation often associated with organizations and the competitive, sometimes ruthless, behavior depicted on reality TV. This contrast serves as a reminder that organizational dynamics can encompass a wide spectrum of behaviors, from collaboration to intense competition, and that administrators need to be prepared to navigate this complexity.

Possible Solutions

Addressing the questions posed by fellow students involves considering how lessons from reality TV can inform the practice of public administration. To provide possible solutions:

a. Training and Education: Public administration programs could go beyond theoretical concepts and incorporate case studies from reality TV to illustrate the political dynamics and challenges that administrators may encounter. By analyzing these scenarios, future administrators can gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of power, influence, and coalition formation, helping them develop the skills to navigate complex organizational politics effectively.

b. Ethical Considerations: While reality TV often blurs ethical boundaries in pursuit of entertainment, it raises critical questions about ethics and decision-making. Administrators must learn to distinguish between ethical and unethical behavior and make decisions that align with public values. Incorporating ethical discussions inspired by reality TV can help administrators navigate situations where moral dilemmas arise.

c. Conflict Resolution Strategies: Reality TV showcases various conflict resolution strategies, ranging from negotiation to confrontation. Public administrators can benefit from studying these strategies and adapting them to manage conflicts in government and public agencies more effectively. Learning from the confrontations and resolutions seen on reality TV can provide valuable insights into handling disputes within an organizational context while maintaining professionalism and order.

Conclusion

Reality television offers a captivating lens through which to explore the political frame of organizations. Power dynamics, influence, coalition formation, conflicts, and negotiations are all prominently featured in these shows, mirroring aspects of real-world organizations. Future public administrators can learn valuable lessons from these observations, helping them navigate the complexities of organizational politics. By incorporating these insights into training and education, public administrators can be better prepared to address the challenges they will encounter in their careers.

References

Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership. Jossey-Bass.

Cialdini, R. B. (2016). Influence: Science and practice. Pearson.

Mintzberg, H. (2017). Power in and around organizations. In J. G. Hunt, R. L. Phillips, & J. M. Mintzberg (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Political Leadership (pp. 119-132). Oxford University Press.

Bryson, J. M., & Crosby, B. C. (2017). Leadership for the common good: Tackling public problems in a shared-power world. Jossey-Bass.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can reality TV shows like Survivor and The Apprentice help me understand organizational politics?

A1: Reality TV often portrays power dynamics, influence, and coalition formation, which are similar to real-world organizational politics. Watching these shows can provide valuable insights into how these dynamics work.

Q2: What specific aspects of political frames can I learn from reality TV?

A2: Reality TV can teach you about power struggles, the art of influence, the formation of alliances, conflict resolution strategies, and negotiation tactics—all of which are relevant to understanding organizational politics.

Q3: Is the depiction of power and politics in reality TV accurate to real-life organizations?

A3: While reality TV may exaggerate certain aspects, it does reflect elements of power and politics that exist in many organizations, making it a valuable source for learning and discussion.

Q4: How can understanding these dynamics benefit future public administrators?

A4: Future public administrators can apply the lessons learned from reality TV to navigate organizational politics effectively, make informed decisions, and manage conflicts in the public sector.

Q5: What are some possible solutions for addressing organizational politics, as inspired by reality TV?

A5: Solutions include incorporating relevant case studies into public administration education, emphasizing ethics in decision-making, and adopting effective conflict resolution strategies from reality TV scenarios.