Definition of "politicking"

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

2015 October 15, Jacky Lumby, “Let's shine a light on the dark art of micropolitics in universities”, in The Guardian‎

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.

2016 June 10, Ian Bogost, “I'm Retweeting Her”, in The Atlantic‎

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.

2017 October 20, Katharine Murphy, “At least for once, don't let politicking kill off a workable energy policy”, in The Guardian‎

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

2018 October 11, Reihan Salam, “Taylor Swift Succumbs to Competitive Wokeness”, in The Atlantic‎