Politics always intervenes every part of human interaction. It appears in both formal structures and subtle dynamics that shape how people relate to each other, form alliances, make decisions, and exercise power. Although many view it negatively, especially in the workplace, office politics is a fundamental part of organizational life that deserves more focus in education. The lack of a structured way to understand office politics in university programs highlights a significant gap in preparing students for life after University.
From a sociological viewpoint, politics goes beyond government organizations. It arises wherever there are social hierarchies, roles, and power negotiations. Universities, as learning centers, have historically been places where students confront these social realities. Notable Indian institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Banaras Hindu University show how educational settings can encourage political engagement. These venues create environments where students explore democratic processes, leadership dynamics, and the challenges of working together.
When students participate in unions, campus elections, and political discussions, they engage with both theoretical views on politics and its practical application. This involvement gives them crucial skills in group dynamics, conflict resolution, and leadership, all within the relatively safe university environment. The political experiences students gain from their student politics are essential for integrating them into the wider political culture of the state.
However, there has been a shift in university education, especially with the rise of market-driven and corporate-focused models. Many modern universities have discouraged or even banned student political involvement. Supporters claim this helps maintain academic focus. But this trend unintentionally leads to less politically aware students. Graduates leave with technical skills and academic knowledge but miss out on the political and social abilities needed to manage real-world work environments. In a time when most graduates end up in the corporate sector, grasping the subtle politics of the workplace is crucial.
Workplaces have their own informal political frameworks that significantly influence decision-making and relationships. This idea, often termed office politics, is mistakenly seen as entirely negative. In reality, it involves managing power dynamics, building relationships, communicating well, and influencing others in a professional setting. When we look at office politics from a sociological lens, we see it as a way individuals handle the complexities of organizational life. It includes understanding hierarchies, forming strategic alliances, negotiating roles, resolving conflicts, and encouraging teamwork.
Recognizing that office politics is a normal part of organizational life is essential. It reflects the broader social processes that shape professional decisions, affect career paths, and create workplace cultures. Despite its significance, universities are still failing to introduce the course of office politics in their curriculum. The main focus is still on academic success, technical skills, and placements. While these areas are crucial, neglecting the social aspects of professional life creates a significant gap in how students are prepared.
When freshers join the workplaces without getting a clear understanding of office politics, they may experience a harsh cultural shock. They can struggle to understand informal power dynamics, build key professional relationships, and grasp how decisions are made, which often differs from what they learned in theory. This lag between formal education and the culture of real-world organizational life can cause anxiety and mistrust.
Freshers may feel frustrated not because they lack skills, but because they are unprepared for the social complexities of their new environments. This unpreparedness can hinder their career growth and personal satisfaction or may lead them into alcohol consumption to overcome from the anxiety as alcoholic culture is very common among corporate employees.
To address this gap, universities must include the course of office politics in their curricula, viewing it as an important part of professional development. Possible strategies might involve offering courses on workplace sociology, teaching organizational behaviour, role-playing office scenarios, connecting students with industry mentors, and assigning reflective tasks based on internships. This educational approach would help make office politics a normal and essential part of learning. By providing students with the ethical guidelines and strategic insights they need to handle complex workplace environments, universities can prepare graduates to be not only technically skilled but also socially competent.
As we look at the relationship between education and workplace readiness, we must recognize that political awareness is just as important for professionals as it is for active citizens. Just as we prepare individuals to participate meaningfully in civic life, we must also equip them for the political realities they will face in their careers. By doing this, we can promote a workforce that can manage not only the formal aspects of their roles but also the intricate social dynamics of modern professional life. In this way, universities can fulfill their crucial role of developing well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact on society, both in and out of the professional world.
(The Author is Assistant Professor of Sociology at UILS Chandigarh University. Feedback: [email protected])
