This phenomenon describes the collective, often unspoken, observation and scrutiny that occurs within a workplace environment. It can manifest as colleagues monitoring each other’s activities, performance, and adherence to unwritten rules. For example, a new employee’s integration into the team might be closely watched, or a missed deadline might become the subject of quiet discussion.
Understanding this dynamic is crucial for navigating office politics and building positive relationships. It can influence career advancement, team cohesion, and overall workplace morale. While its origins are difficult to pinpoint, it likely stems from a combination of human nature’s tendency toward social comparison and the structured, hierarchical nature of most organizations. This inherent social mechanism can serve as a form of informal accountability, encouraging adherence to norms and potentially identifying areas for improvement.
