Obstructionism

Obstructionism
Not to be confused with Obstruction of justice.

Obstructionism is the practice of deliberately delaying or preventing a process or change, especially in politics.[1]

Contents

As workplace aggression

An obstructionist causes problems. Neuman and Baron (1998) identify obstructionism as one of the three dimensions that encompass the range of workplace aggression. In this context obstructionism is "behaviors intended to hinder an employee from performing their job or the organization from accomplishing its objectives."[2]

In politics

Obstructionism or policy of obstruction denotes the deliberate interference with the progress of a legislation by various means such as filibustering or slow walking which may depend on the respective parliamentary procedures.

Mass media

In September 2010, Jon Stewart of The Daily Show announced the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, an event dedicated to ending political obstructionism in American mass media.

"We're looking for the people who think shouting is annoying, counterproductive, and terrible for your throat; who feel that the loudest voices shouldn't be the only ones that get heard; and who believe that the only time it's appropriate to draw a Hitler mustache on someone is when that person is actually Hitler. Or Charlie Chaplin in certain roles."[3]

Tactics

The most common tactic is the filibuster which consists in extending the debate upon a proposal in order to delay or completely prevent a vote on its passage.

Another form of parliamentary obstruction practiced in the United States and other countries is called "slow walking." It specifically refers to the extremely slow speed with which legislators walk to the podium to cast their ballots. For example, in Japan this tactic is known as a "cow walk," and in Hawaii it's known as a "Devil's Gambit." Consequently, slow walking is also used as synonym for obstructionism itself.[4]

Famous obstructionists

John O'Connor Power, Joe Biggar,[5] Frank Hugh O'Donnell, and Charles Stewart Parnell,[5] Irish nationalists; all were famous for making long speeches in the British House of Commons.[citation needed]

Two other famous obstructionists are Jesse Helms and Mme Flemington.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ http://dictionary.reverso.net/english-cobuild/obstructionism
  2. ^ Neuman, J.H., & Baron, R.A. (1998). Workplace violence and workplace aggression: Evidence concerning specific forms, potential causes, and preferred targets. Journal of Management, 24, 391–419.
  3. ^ Rally to Restore Sanity website – (September 18, 2010)
  4. ^ U.S. SENATE BUSINESS – (Senate – June 05, 2002)
  5. ^ a b Movement for Reform – 1870–1914, © M.E. Collins 2004; The Educational Company (Edco)
  6. ^ http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/6234343

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  • obstructionism — noun /əbˈstɹʌkʃənɪz(ə)m/ A deliberate policy of obstructing something, especially a political process or body. The most promising mode of attack for the right may be state led obstructionism …   Wiktionary

  • obstructionism — noun Date: 1879 deliberate interference with the progress or business especially of a legislative body • obstructionist noun or adjective • obstructionistic adjective …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • obstructionism — See obstructionist. * * * …   Universalium

  • obstructionism — ob|struc|tion|is|m [əbˈstrʌkʃənızəm] n [U] formal when someone tries to prevent or delay a legal or political process >obstructionist n …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • obstructionism — ob|struc|tion|ism [ əb strʌkʃə,nızəm ] noun uncount actions or behavior intended to slow down or stop the progress of something, especially in a legislature ╾ ob|struc|tion|ist noun count, adjective …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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