What is the practice of developing relationships for politicking purposes called?

The practice of developing relationships for politicking purposes is referred to as networking. Networking involves creating and nurturing connections within professional and social contexts to facilitate collaboration, exchange information, and support mutual interests. In politicized environments, individuals often build networks to enhance their influence, gain access to resources, or advance their agendas.

Networking is essential in various fields, as it allows individuals to leverage their relationships to achieve specific goals, whether personal or organizational. It emphasizes the importance of relationships in fostering cooperation and facilitating communication among stakeholders, which can significantly impact decision-making processes and outcomes.

In contrast, coalition building focuses on forming alliances or partnerships among various groups or individuals to pursue a common goal, often in a political context. While similar to networking, coalition building typically involves more formal agreements or collaborations aimed at achieving specific outcomes. Personal appeal refers to the ability to persuade or charm others but does not inherently involve the broader relational aspect of networking. Delegation involves assigning responsibilities or tasks to others, which is a managerial skill rather than a practice aimed at relationship development for political purposes.