What does "office politics" refer to?

[ImSparkly]

It’s high school drama and bs, just as adults. Like what table you sit at for lunch, whose team your on, who you talk to — or more who you shun. Who you slept with. Who you cheated on. Who’s running for class president, prom queen/king. Who made varsity, who made out with their teacher.

All this stuff needs to go away. Nobody cares.

[Agape93]

The social and work dynamics between people vying for credit and progression through the company.

[ManOnFire]

Usually pertaining to the high school type stuff up on the management level, like how supervisors and managers have their little groups and favorites that they esteem, are having sex with, or want to give recognition to. This can be between other supervisors or supervisors and employees.

[BrexitAteMyLobster]

The games that you have to play to observe the rules and the ethos of the company, to get things done and to work with people that you may not necessarily like. Very similar to what politicians have to do. You say the right things and make the right faces.

[soleil2666]

The various groups teaming up against each other. Because some dumb ass declared one needs to be internally competitive rather than a team player. Internally things are different to the open market - at least they are meant to be - no stealing, no bullying etc.

[Anpu23]

A series of behaviors that people engage in at work to try and get ahead while making others look bad. Some examples are gossip, innuendo, sucking up to the boss, etc.

[LiamSawyer]

Well, working in a law office should be the premier "office politics" 101.

[Orangeandturquoise]

The sociology and politics that the communication between people at a work place.

[Vanessa_Reyes]

The nonsense you have to deal with on a day to day basis in an office environment.

[jgokgotit]

It basically means who likes/dislikes who, who gets special favors and who does not. If a workplace is fair and honest, "office politics" wouldn't exist. However, most of the time the office is biased, even office settings in government.

[jgirl99]

Just kinda things people do in their office/work to get ahead and all that

[DOGMA1954]

Getting into others private business while at work, such as who is dating or having sex with. Just really gossip in general. Maybe kissing up to someone in order to move up.

[ProfessionalMusician]

Well don't hit on anyone at work unless you have a nóté or some thing like email or text from someone you know or if you don't

[Jjpayne]

They do a risk board game spinoff called that :)
But I'd call it part water cooler gossip and part hierarchy of the company.

[legalboxers]

who banged who.. who is sleeping with who.. who is using the conference table for a menage a trois. who leaves wine or beer in the fridge

[arabgoddess]

Who's on who's side and who dominates and controls others!

[the_sinner]

People who get promotions or other incentives by getting favours from higher officials and not by doing any actual work.

[Creepazoid]

I would think how the office is managed. Favoritism, special benefits due to know certain people

[rodney24]

The decision making that has the least amount of negative and poor management

[TheAteam1978]

I'm not sure but the lack of filter between my brain and mouth tend to get me in trouble even tho I'm the boss

[Dr_Spins]

Hahaha, that's a whole can of worms. Too much to go through than there is space here.

[jillybeanns]

It means office drama

[DanOh2018]

Basically who's a cunt and to whom.

[Exorcist_Rampage]

I guess if it the place where people mainly work.

[jimmy2]

Place of employment

[jointhemiles]

Climbing the ladder