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Abstract

In recent years the analysis of organizations as political systems has received greatly increased attention. It is a perspective that makes good sense to many managers and adminstrators whose day-to-day experience involves a considerable amount of lobbying and manoeuvring to promote or deflect particular initiatives. But central to any such analysis must be a treatment of topics like power, influence, authority and interests; phenomena which are notoriously slippery - and contentious. The following piece aims to provide a workable simplification of this difficult terrain.