For whatever it's worth, the amount of this in different workplaces seems to vary from "virtually none" to "run away screaming".
At the best places, I assume this happens a bit, but it's pretty easy to ignore it completely and still do well by being a good employee.
At the worst places, it's apparent even to someone unaware that something is up, because people will make comments that are totally nonsensical unless you're neck-deep in the politicking. It also shows when smart people make obviously awful decisions - they're probably getting something out of it other than the good of the company.
Thanks. I've thought about what you said, and I hope its largely true. It feels like something which would be true, but feelings arent evidence, so I am taking it as a source of hope.
At the best places, I assume this happens a bit, but it's pretty easy to ignore it completely and still do well by being a good employee.
At the worst places, it's apparent even to someone unaware that something is up, because people will make comments that are totally nonsensical unless you're neck-deep in the politicking. It also shows when smart people make obviously awful decisions - they're probably getting something out of it other than the good of the company.