Politicking

Is internal politicking a Machiavellian dark art or vital oil for the wheels of higher education leadership?

There’s politics, and there’s politicking. Politics relates to the process of governing and making policy. Politicking refers to the tactics needed to acquire or retain the power of politics itself. Politics is an esteemed term, while politicking is usually used in a derogatory way.

As Combet pointed out in 2009, that sort of too-clever-by-half politicking can get you into trouble. It can sink the boat you really want to sail.

The pop star has long avoided partisan politicking—but in the culture industries, making a show of social liberalism is increasingly the only option.