Therefore, to answer the earlier question of whether it is possible for an organization
to be politics-free, we can say “yes”—but only if all members of that organization hold
the same goals and interests, organizational resources are not scarce, and performance
outcomes are completely clear and objective. However, that does not describe the orga-
nizational world that most of us live in!RESEARCH FINDINGS Politicking
Our earlier discussion focused on the favourable outcomes for individuals who suc-
cessfully engage in politicking. But for most people—who have modest political skills
or are unwilling to play the politics game—outcomes tend to be mainly negative.^57
There is, for instance, very strong evidence indicating that perceptions of organizational
politics are negatively related to job satisfaction.^58 The perception of politics also tends
to increase job anxiety and stress. This seems to be because of the belief that, by not
engaging in politics, a person may be losing ground to others who are active politickers,
or, conversely, because of the additional pressures individuals feel of having entered
into and competing in the political arena.^59 Not surprisingly, when politicking becomes
too much to handle, it can lead employees to quit.^60 Finally, there is preliminary evidence
suggesting that politics leads to self-reported declines in employee performance.^61
Perceived organizational politics appears to have a demotivating effect on individuals,
and thus leads to decreased performance levels.Types of Political Activity
Within organizations, we can find a variety of political
activities in which people engage. These include the fol-
lowing:^62- Attacking or blaming others.Used when trying to
avoid responsibility for failure. - Using information.Withholding or distorting infor-
mation, particularly to hide negative information. - Managing impressions.Bringing positive attention to one’s self or taking credit
for the positive accomplishments of others. - Building support for ideas. Making sure that others will support one’s ideas
before they are presented. - Praising others.Making important people feel good.
- Building coalitions.Joining with other people to create a powerful group.
- Associating with influential people. Building support networks.
- Creating obligations.Doing favours for others so they will owe you favours later.
Individuals will use these political activities for different purposes. Some of these
activities are more likely to be used to defend one’s position (such as attacking or blam-
ing others), while other activities are meant to enhance one’s image (such as building
support for ideas and managing impressions).
Impression Management
The process by which individuals attempt to control the impression others form of
them is called impression management.^63 Being perceived positively by others should
have benefits for people in organizations. It might, for instance, help them initially to
get the jobs they want in an organization and, once hired, to get favourable evalua-
tions, superior salary increases, and more rapid promotions. In a political context, it238 Part 3Interacting Effectively
Why do some
people seem to
engage in politics
more than others?*
impression management The
process by which individuals attempt
to control the impression others
form of them.