You should read Machiavelli if you want to understand politics in organisations. Pause here while I go download him to my Kindle.
Here are some excellent quotes from him:
“A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
“When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred.
“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.
“It is not titles that honor men, but men that honor titles.
“The wise man does at once what the fool does finally.
“Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.
“There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things.
“Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.