While often viewed negatively, politics are not universally bad. In fact, politics are a reality of everyday organizational life that can be used strategically to help meet goals and objectives. This activity is important because good managers are able to realize the upside, and manage the downside, of organizational politics.

The goal of this exercise is to help you understand, describe, and categorize the most commonly used political tactics.

First, hover over each name and read the description. Next, click and drag each of the names into the chart to correspond with the political tactic being described.

Attacking or blaming others

Using information as a political tool

Creating a favorable image

Using "key players" to support initiatives

Praising others

Making friends with power brokers

Building a network of useful contacts

Self$-$promotion