There are some questions to consider when differentiating ethical from unethical politicking. When faced with an ethical dilemma regarding organizational politics, try to consider whether playing politics is worth the risk and whether others might be harmed in the process. Outright lies may be an extreme example of impression management, but many of us have at least distorted information to make a favorable impression.

Complimenting a supervisor on her appearance in order to curry favor is probably much less harmful than grabbing credit for a project that others deserve. Unfortunately, powerful people can become very good at explaining self-serving behaviors in terms of the organization’s best interests. They can persuasively argue that unfair actions are really fair and just. It may be easier for the powerless to act ethically, as they typically have little political discretion to exploit.