A is for always getting to work on time. B is for being extremely busy. C is for the conscientious (勤勤恳恳的) way you do your job. You may be all these things at the office, and more. But when it comes to getting ahead, experts say, the ABCs of business should include a P, for politics, as in office politics. Dale Carnegie suggested as much more than 50 years ago: Hard work alone doesn’’t ensure career advancement. You have to be able to sell yourself and your ideas, both publicly and behind the scenes. Yet, despite the obvious rewards of engaging in office politics -- a better job, a raise, praise -- many people are still unable -- or unwilling -- to "play the ." "People assume that office politics involves some manipulative (工于心计的) behavior," says Deborah Comer, an assistant professor of management at Hofstra University. " But politics derives from the word "polite". It can mean lobbying and forming associations. It can mean being kind and helpful, or even trying to please your superior, and then expecting something in return." In fact, today, experts define office politics as proper behavior used to pursue one’’s own self-interest in the workplace. In many cases, this involves some form of socializing within the office environment -- not just in large companies, but in small workplaces as well. "The first thing people are usually judged on is their ability to perform well on a consistent basis," says Neil P. Lewis, a management psychologist. "But if two or three candidates are up for a promotion, each of whom has reasonably similar ability, a manager is going to promote the person he or she likes best. It’’s human nature." Yet, psychologists say, many employees and employers have trouble with the concept of politics in the office. Some people, they say, have an idealistic vision of work and what it takes to succeed. Still others associate politics with flattery (奉承), fearful that, if they speak up for themselves, they may appear to be flattering their boss for favors. Experts suggest altering this negative picture by recognizing the need for some self-promotion. The author considers office politics to be ________.