Office Politics
and Gossip
Kyle Kearney
Work Based Learning Coordinator
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk
High School
Office Politics

Office (Work) Politics Defined
 Pros and Cons of Office Politics
 How to avoid Office Politics
 Workplace Gossip
2
Pre-Test
1. Office politics occur
1.
2.
3.
4.
Only within public agencies
Only in private Corporations
In nearly all business situations
Everywhere except Disney World
3
Pre-Test
2. A benefit of office politics is:
1. Encouragement of secrecy
2. Highly motivated employees
3. Reduction in the overall team effort
4. Power struggles
4
Pre-Test
3. A benefit of gossip would be
1. Rumors can increase productivity
2. Resistance to management plans
3. More information is passed along to
employees
4. Provides stress relief
5
Office Politics Defined

The complex struggle for dominance that
takes place in any organization.

When workers actively seek ways to make
their abilities and achievements known.

Ruthless manipulation of other people in an
attempt to gain power.
6
Cons of Office Politics

Unwarranted Power Struggles

Encourages Hypocrisy, Secrecy,
and Self-interests

Produces ineffective team work among staff
members
7
Pros of Office Politics

Highly motivated employees

Employee Recognition Increases

Boosts Employee Morale
8
Making Office Politics
Work for You

Remap the organization chart

Understand the informal networks - Make the most of
your network

Build Relationships

Listen Carefully

Govern your own behavior
9
Politics Happen
 Wise politicking will get you
where you need to go without
compromising others
10
Workplace Gossip Video
11
Cons of Office Gossip
 Incorrect Information is passed along
 Contributes to the spread of rumors
 Creates conflicting loyalties
 Counteracts Company Values
 Encourages Resistance to
Management Plans
12
Pros of Gossip
 Provides an outlet for stress,
tension, and anxiety
 Makes work less boring
 Showcases future leaders
 Provides feedback on employee
attitudes
13
Post Test
1. Office politics occur
1.
2.
3.
4.
Only within public agencies
Only in private Corporations
In nearly all business situations
Everywhere except Disney World
14
Post Test
2. A benefit of office politics is:
1. Encouragement of secrecy
2. Highly motivated employees
3. Reduction in the overall team effort
4. Power struggles
15
Post Test
3. A benefit of gossip would be
1. Rumors can increase productivity
2. Resistance to management plans
3. More information is passed along to
employees
4. Provides stress relief
16
Office Politics and Gossip
Web Resources
Assignment: Search for a
resource on Workplace Politics
or Gossip. Create a training
brochure for employees on how
to deal with and avoid this
practice.
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