A holistic view is essential for business analysis, considering aspects such as the people, processes, information and technology. It's considered desirable for the business analyst to act objectively—after all, how can they give impartial advice if they are too close to the business area? Yet this objectivity could be a double-edged sword. 

Some believe it's impossible to be completely objective, as everyone brings their own perspective to a situation. Others argue that the very fact that a person is involved changes a situation. Those who have undertaken observation or shadowing will be familiar with this last point: people often act differently when they are being observed. 

This desire for objectivity can lead to a mistaken belief that politics isn't important. An objective, detached business analyst may decide to avoid and ignore the political aspects of a situation. After all, becoming embroiled in politics sounds like a painful way to remove a BAs impartiality. Yet the very fact that a BA is present means they are part of the politics. Just as an inconvenient rock face won't disappear because a hiker decides to ignore it, politics and political game playing exist whether the observer chooses to engage with them or not. BAs might influence the politics just by being present… 

Intelligent Engagement with Politics at Work

The word "politics" tends to have negative connotations, so it is worth thinking about what it means. The Collins English dictionary provides no fewer than seven definitions, the most relevant for this context is: 

"The complex or aggregate of relationships of people in society, [especially] those relationships involving authority or power" (HarperCollins, 2018) 

Note that the definition doesn't have a negative or positive connotation. A conclusion could be drawn that whenever there are people there will be politics, and where there is a power differential, inevitably, politics will be present. When a decision is made by more than one person, politics are likely involved to some degree, even if that is through one party lobbying for their preferred option. 

The key for business analysis is to be alert to the politics and engage with stakeholders. This means understanding their perspectives and observing the difference between what they say and what they do. This means being curious, asking questions, and trying to understand the outcomes stakeholders are seeking. 

These are all key BA traits, and the good news is that many well-established BA techniques can be used for assessing and engaging with the political landscape, including: 

• Business Perspectives/Root Definitions/CATWOE: Understanding and validating a stakeholder's worldview, and the outcomes that they would ideally like to see. 
• Stakeholder analysis: There are many stakeholder identification, categorisation and analysis techniques. The power/interest grid is one relevant example—this helps to show where influence is dispersed, and can highlight those that might feel disengaged or unable to influence the situation. 
• Rich Picture: An excellent way for an analyst to synthesise the political situation, represent this holistically and thereby enhance their own understanding. 
• Social Network Analysis: A technique that helps uncover the informal social networks within an organisation and illustrates how decisions are really made (irrespective of what the formal organisation chart shows). 
• Principled Negotiation & BATNA: 'Getting to Yes' by Fisher & Ury, describes the four principles behind effective negotiations and is helpful when navigating political situations. Additionally, having a Best Alternative To Negotiated Agreement (BATNA) decided in advance, so it is possible to walk away, can be beneficial. 

There are many others too. Summaries of these techniques can be found in the BCS book 'Business Analysis Techniques: 123 essential tools for success' 

Ethics and Integrity 

It is worth adding a final word about ethics. Politics can be used in a way that is unethical, to gain favour or to push a personal agenda. It goes without saying that business analysts should not engage in this type of unethical politicking and should call out any unethical behaviour where it exists.   

The techniques above help practitioners to understand the political landscape, so it becomes obvious if unethical actions are taking place. Not only this, they help the analyst to build rapport with stakeholders, understand their needs and the results they want.  All of which can only lead to a better outcome! Intelligent engagement with politics is definitely time well spent. 

Look out for AssistKD's BA Brew with Niven Postma, author of 'If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You'. Or you can read Lisa Hudson's review of the book. 

References 

HarperCollins (2018), 'Collins English Dictionary: The largest English Dictionary for Kindle' Glasgow, HarperCollins  

Cadle, J., Paul, D., Hunsley, J., Reed, A., Beckham, D., & Turner, P (2021),  'Business Analysis Techniques: 123 essential tools for success', Swindon, BCS 

Fisher, R & Ury, W. (2011), Getting to yes: negotiating an agreement without giving in. Random House. London. 

Are you thinking about updating your BA toolkit? AssistKD offers a wide choice of business analysis training courses.