Office politics can refer to the interplay of relationships or the control of power in the workplace. Some try to eliminate it, while others accept it as part of human nature. Negative aspects include gossip and seeking advantage at others’ expense, but a positive work culture can reduce these issues.
In the term office politics, the word politics has a specific meaning, albeit interpreted differently. For some, office politics is simply the interplay of interrelationships within office environments. Just like in society, people have different needs, goals and approaches, so also in an office. For others, it specifically refers to the control of power in the office environment. Any assignment of authority, title, or role creates power, so those holding this view would likely believe that environment is inevitable, as offices, by definition, assign various powers to various employees.
Experts differ on the most fundamental aspect of this concept. Some aim to remove it from the game, trying to create an office where there is no “office politics”. Other pundits — those who believe that politics, by any definition, are inextricably part of the human condition and of office — urge a different approach. The recommended approach, however, may be to play fair on the one hand or win on the other.
Negative views on these relationships highlight aspects of office life that can be unpleasant, unfair and demeaning. These include office gossip, self-righteousness, bullshit, and seeking advantage at the expense of others. Defined this way, it’s clear why the goal would be to eliminate office politics. Another way to look at an office with these problems is not as one that “has” office politics – as opposed to others that don’t – but as an office with a negative work culture.
Experts who do not condemn these circles to death can point out that in politics outside the office and even inside, people can be diplomatic, honest, friendly without being submissive, loyal and self-interested. When employees’ self-interest and an employer’s interest coincide and company policies are built to recognize this, and when company culture is positive, people are less likely to feel that everyone is doing their best and is being credited to do that is a problem. A company where the atmosphere is competitive excluding the conception of the workforce as a team or where the good of the employees must be subordinated or ignored for the good of the company to be realized is more likely to have a negative culture and a office politics negative concept.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
