| It's not about can or cannot in strict sense of the word. In principle, you can do whatever you want. But sometimes (often), people do what they want without considering or being aware of social norms or consequences. If you're aware of social norms and consequences, make whatever decision you want as an informed, consenting adult. If you're blissfully unaware of social norms and/or consequences, it is tricky (because of its own social norms:P), but people may try to help you be aware of them. Personally, I would neither want to discuss politics on LinkedIn or care for others to do so. It's not what LinkedIn as a platform is for, as far as I'm concerned. I don't go to my car dealership to get a beer, I don't interrupt the CIO's presentation to discuss the soccer results, and I don't care for politics on LinkedIn - they each have their own domain. But you may do as you choose :). At work, it's a lot more fluid - in many environments discussing politics at work is "not a good idea" - why start a heated fight with a co-worker on opposite spectrum if you otherwise respect each other and work well? Or unknowingly jeopardize your chances of promotion because your boss vehemently disagrees with your political views? Or, possibly the worst, you yourself subconsciously not promote or develop your team member because you are now biased due to their differing political views? (it's huge hubris to claim "Oh no I wouldn't be impacted like that"). Other places, small startups of like-minded people, it'll naturally be a subject of conversation. And in between, even at large corporate settings, you may develop friendship with people who are either like-minded, or open to productive interesting discussion. But overall message is, know your audience, know the social norms, know the consequences. And then do as you please :) |