The easy and quantitative answer is virtue is based upon ethics and vice upon oppourtunity. That, in and of itself, lets you know with where office politics resides.I have often been told that in this world, what you know matters little in comparison to who you know. Largely this is true. If you are clever, competent and well acquainted with the right people there are few limits on what you can accomplish in the work place. Even two out of three will get you pretty far

For myself, I believe a man is defined not by his station but by his actions. One is what one does. I myself abstain from office politics and disdain workplace drama. Such virtue as this carries its own distinctive rewards but also its own unique burdens. I am left out of the loop on most things, people respect my perpetual neutrality and for the most part leave me to what I do best -my job. For someone like myself, who doesn't like to discuss work on break or think about it at home, it allows me to leave my job behind the moment I step away from my desk. Additionally, I also benefit in other ways. I am often consulted by the department heads on what the temperament of the divisions are and how they will react to prospective policies, occasionally I am even asked to give input or insight -and I am always given credit, which amuses me, as though my participation in a programme lends it legitimacy. Conversely, subordinates also approach me with their concerns and have confidence in my answers -whether good or bad. To quote an old military axiom, respect must run up and down the chain of command, if you can maintain that equilibrium you will be indispensable to both sides.

I have been passed up many times for promotion, largely because I haven't sought to attract notice or outshine my peers, but then I haven't suffered from unjust termination either, while others around me have; Two of which, on my recommendation, were retained and continue to work with us to this day though I don't assume any credit for that. I got them a second chance, perhaps, but it was what they did with it that made the difference. However, it took a couple years before most people noticed my aptitude and longer still before they responded to it. If quick success is your ambition, this is not the way to go about it. If one seems to be a content and capable cog, that is what one will remain.

I guess what I am trying to say is office politics are amoral, they are neither good or bad, It is how you respond to them which make them a vice or a virtue. Just like anything else.

office politics, anything competitive in the business field is good, it keeps people on there toes.

I have never worked in an office but everyplace that employees people seem to have their own version of this. Before beginning my writing career I worked in a nursing home, there were office politics. I tried to stay out of them, because it always seems to pit two or more groups. I took a mid line approach it was the safest.

I think using office politics to further your career is not a good idea.