Why does toxic office politics emerge among Indian professionals working abroad? 

1. Toxic office politics often develops not because of one individual, but due to a mix of insecurity, competition, and workplace conditioning. Key reasons include:
2. Career insecurity: Promotions and leadership roles abroad are limited. Fear of stagnation or job loss can push people toward defensive or hostile behavior.
3. Cut-throat competition: Some professionals see colleagues—especially from the same community—as rivals rather than teammates, leading to backstabbing and favoritism.
4. Carryover of workplace culture: Office politics learned in home-country corporate environments sometimes continue abroad, instead of adapting to collaborative global norms.
5. Pressure to stand out: The urge to gain visibility quickly can encourage undermining others rather than collective success.
6. Ego and recognition issues: Success of peers can trigger jealousy, especially in high-pressure multicultural workplaces.
7. Communication gaps: Indirect communication, misunderstandings, or reluctance to address issues openly can fuel gossip and internal conflicts.
8. Mental health stress: Isolation, cultural adjustment, and work pressure abroad can intensify negative behavior.