Organizations operating in complex institutional environments face conflicting demands from diverse stakeholders, requiring responses that reconcile competing institutional logics. This study examines how political dynamics within organizations mediate these tensions, focusing on the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) as a revelatory case. Drawing on qualitative data, including in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and archival documents, we analyze the interplay between rule-based administration and political leadership. We develop the concept of “political drift,” which captures the tendency of political leadership to override formal administrative structures to secure votes and alliances. This dynamic reflects a fundamental tension between the normative legitimacy sought through governance structures and the practical demands of political leadership. Our findings extend research on institutional complexity and organizational politics by revealing how political drift enables organizations to navigate conflicting demands, often at the expense of rule-based governance. These insights advance understanding of intra-organizational responses to institutional complexity and the role of politics in shaping organizational outcomes.
