Politics: meaning, definitions and examples

The activities, actions, and policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence how a government is run. It often refers to the art or science of governing and can have a negative connotation when referring to manipulative strategies.

• She decided to study politics in college to better understand how laws are made.
• Office politics can make the work environment quite challenging.

The system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. It refers broadly to the political direction and control exercised over the members of a society.

• The government passed new legislation to improve national security.
• Local government is responsible for basic services like water supply and road maintenance.

Matters that concern the public directly, particularly issues involving government policies and actions. It is commonly used in the context of public relations and communications.

• She works in public affairs, helping to communicate government initiatives to the public.
• Public affairs professionals often liaise between government officials and the community.

The process or activity of running an organization, company, or government. It highlights the implementation and management aspect.

• The new administration implemented various reforms to improve the healthcare system.
• Efficient administration ensures that company resources are utilized effectively.

Refers to activities associated with governance, policy-making, and domestic and international relations. It can also denote strategic behaviors in organizational or social contexts.

• Jane has always been interested in politics and hopes to work in government someday.
• Office politics can sometimes make achieving results difficult.

Encompasses the behavioral and social interactions that occur within a workplace. This term can refer to both positive and negative interactions among colleagues.

• Understanding office dynamics is crucial for any manager.
• Good office dynamics can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Refers to strategic behavior between individuals aiming to improve their own standing, often at the expense of others. This can happen in both personal and professional settings.

• His success was largely due to his skill at interpersonal maneuvering.
• Interpersonal maneuvering is common in competitive work environments.

Describes conflicts within an organization or group where different factions or individuals compete for influence or control. This often occurs in hierarchical organizations or during periods of change.

• The internal power struggles within the company have led to high employee turnover.
• During the merger, the boardroom was rife with internal power struggles.