CLIQUES IN THE WORKPLACE
Are cliques appropriate for the work place? What are the pros and con’s of cliques in the work place?
Webster defines a “clique" as a narrowly exclusive group of people usually held together by a common, “often selfish" interest or purpose.
Can a social group of this nature as described by Webster be a positive influence in the work place?
I submit that the work place is not an appropriate setting for cliques. Individual social clubs within a work place can produce negative connotations. Cliques do very little to inspire the spirit of camaraderie. All employees must advocate team playing by supporting team building not separatism.
What qualifies a person to become a clique member? I think the word “clique" is used to describe this type of group because these groups are not formally organized. These people meet and converse, if they get along well and have something in common, they “click" thus, the “clique is borne. They believe in the same things, have the same values, and enjoy one another’s company.
These individuals usually trust one another and confide many personal things concerning their home life as well as work related matters. If an outsider desires to become a part of the “clique," the entire group usually takes their cue from the unspoken leader of the group. Leaders are not appointed. Usually the most aggressive person with strong leadership qualities is the one who everyone listens to and counts on for answers and decision-making. Either you fit in a “clique" or you do not. Being a part of a “clique" can lead to favoritism and/or vainglory. This type of “clique" can also lead to a decline in morale among other employees who are not in the loop. Most of the time “cliques" infer exclusivity. There is an unspoken code among “clique" members they often view outsiders as intruders.
Oftentimes “clique" members are rude, thoughtless, self-centered and arrogant when relating to people who are not a part of their group. It is unwise to try and force your way into a “clique" because it can lead to hurt feelings and disappointments. There are no rules that say “cliques" have to accept you.
In the world at large, in all walks of life and in almost every age group there are people under pressure to fit in to be liked and accepted by their associates whether it’s in the workplace or other sectors. Sometimes there are problems within the “clique" that can be counter-productive in the work place. Jealousy can rear its ugly head and cause chaos that can bleed on the masses in the work place.
I have injected many cons to the idea of “cliques" in the work place. There are positive things that can result as a consequence of “cliques".
For instance, Cliques can lend one another positive reinforcement in the area of encouragement. However, this support can be counter-productive if it is a “members only" endeavor. Members should also be careful not to make their “cliques" a priority over the real reasons for being on the job, to discharge assigned obligations in the specific job areas for which they are being compensated. When “clique" endorsement begin to affect the morale of employees outside of the “clique" it is time to become un-cliqued.
Another very vital reason for the discouragement of “cliques" in the work place is the fact that these small groups of people can become too relaxed and too familiar with one another and release personal information from their various departments that perhaps should not be released. Cliques can form very unhealthy alliances that can be very hurtful both inside and outside of the group.
Cliques can cause dissention, divisions and hurt feelings, which can have a negative effect on the work place at large. Cliques formed in the work place are much different from those formed in other sectors because the fallout can be greater and costlier.
Clique members often share the same values whether they are moral or immoral causing the stakes to be too high to consider encouraging “cliques" in the work place. Clique members usually expect a certain degree of loyalty among themselves. This can produce treacherous waters because of conflicts of interest where joint company decisions are concerned.
There is without a doubt more cons to the idea of the clique endorsement than there are pros both inside and outside of the group.
I submit that the stakes are too high to consider “cliques" in the work place because “cliques" expect a certain degree of loyalty from its members. Sometimes “cliques" can promote joint efforts to surface that can be harmful to the company, for instance…walkouts, strikes, lawsuits and other disgruntled acts that may surface because of dissatisfaction.
Often a “clique" member’s company loyalty is questioned. In a clique, you are expected to accept and support “clique" decisions whether you agree with them or not. Cliques can be defined in the same manner as friends. These two words are interchangeable. Both can have positive as well as negative connotations.
There are already many obstacles to overcome when entering the work place because the first bridge to cross is usually trying to be an asset to the job then the overwhelming need to be accepted, to fit in. The added drama of a “clique" is just not worth the effort. It has always been my philosophy to stay as impartial as possible on the job. Form friendships outside of the work place. A word of advice, Do the job you were hired to do to the best of your ability. When push comes to shove, there are no friends in business.
This is my opinion only and is very subjective. However, experience has taught me that “cliques" are not healthy in the work place. Keep life simple. Treat employers and employees as co-workers and do not allow personal life to enter your work place. You will be glad you did!
Copyright © 2006 Jena Walker
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