The Office Makes a Difference: An Exercise on the Politics of Office Space

Abstract

In this article we report the benefits of a new case study that explores gender bias, organizational culture, and organizational politics. The case is based on true events, and centers on the assignment of office space to a newly-promoted female vice president at a savings and loan bank. Office space is argued by many to be symbolic of power in organizations. The experiences of the main character in the case point to power imbalances that result from gender-based cultural values and the character's inadequate attention to political behavior.