Workplace politics, sometimes referred to as office politics or organizational politics is "the use of one's individual or assigned power within an employing organization for the purpose of obtaining advantages beyond one's legitimate authority.” It is important to note that organizational politics are by definition: "The pursuit of individual agendas and self interest without regard to their effect on the organization's efforts to achieve its goals."
Workplace politics, sometimes referred to as office politics or organizational politics is "the use of one's individual or assigned power within an employing organization for the purpose of obtaining advantages beyond one's legitimate authority.” It is important to note that organizational politics are by definition: "The pursuit of individual agendas and self interest without regard to their effect on the organization's efforts to achieve its goals." Some of the personal advantages may include access to tangible assets, or intangible benefits such as status or pseudo-authority that influences the behavior of others. Both individuals and groups may engage in Office Politics." Which can be highly destructive, as people focus on personal gains at the expense of the organization. "Self-serving political actions can negatively influence our social groupings, cooperation, information sharing, and many other organizational functions." Thus, it is vital to pay attention to organizational politics and create the right political landscape. "Politics is the lubricant that oils your organization's internal gears." Office politics has also been described as "simply how power gets worked out on a practical, day-to-day basis."
