How often and in what ways might internal politics factor into project success?

Internal Office Politics can be a double edged sword, on an individual level a person might make a choice that will effect others adversely with out realizing it. Such as trying to garner more power for themselves as they try to climb the corporate ladder. This person can be seen as a usurper by their group of peers, as this person might undercut some of the other people who had been at the work place longer than them, and this can effect work place performance. However, growing bonds between employees and making their interpersonal relationships stronger. Seeing who meshes well together as individuals putting and putting them on teams together can increase productivity, as these people work well together and fighting over things within the office such as supplies or power will be decreased. However, that isn't to say that it will stop totally. People are still people, and at some point or another someones going to have a bad day. More times than not politics gets in the way, but its the bonds that we make as coworkers and friends that help to stem the tide of the bravado we try to exert over others in our struggle to climb that ladder.