office politics

American  

[aw-fis pahl-i-tiks, ahf-is] / ˈɔ fɪs ˈpɑl ɪ tɪks, ˈɑf ɪs /

noun

1. the ways in which individuals in a business or workplace gain and hold social power; the interpersonal dynamics informed by and related to such unspoken power structures.

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Example Sentences

The first belongs to the nurturers: people who invested energy and care into helping me improve my craft, guided me through the nuances of office politics, or lifted me after a career faceplant.

From Salon • May 9, 2025

He says he was never as "arrogant or ambitious" as his character, but admits to occasionally being "adventurous" in navigating office politics.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2025

For much of its existence, the cryptocurrency company nChain was governed by a golden rule of office politics: It was not a good idea to challenge Craig Steven Wright, the chief science officer.

From New York Times • May 21, 2024

It’s also the month for setting goals, especially at work, where goals often come with lunch and a side of office politics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 10, 2024

One coworker was openly hostile and competitive, the first time Jesse had ever encountered office politics.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz