Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026

The Social Dimension of Stress: Experimental Manipulations of Social Support and Social Identity in the Trier Social Stress Test
Published on: November 19, 2015
Abstract:
How do you define organizational politics? The underground system of communication, the grapevine, what's really going on in the organization, rumors, knowing who really has the power? However you define it, all sources agree you'd better not ignore it. According to one physician executive: "Organizational politics is how things really get done, who really has the power, how decisions get made. Things are not always what they appear to be on the organizational chart." Presented here are some thoughts about organizational politics from physician executives and their stories of when it helped or hurt their careers or prevented them from accomplishing something in their organizations.
Related Concept Videos
Levels of Communication II: Organizational, Public, and Group Dynamics
Impact of Individuals on Individuals
Impact of Individuals on a Group
Impact of Groups on Groups
Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances

