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

While conceding that being about one of the greatest athletes — and still beloved products — in the world helps, the writer believes detailing Nike office politics was crucial to this high-flying success story.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2023

But although the invention would have been critical to soldiers during World War II, manufacturing issues and office politics stymied the project.

From Washington Post • Apr. 1, 2023

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