Page 45 - eBOOK ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR FULL REPORT (eISBN)

5.7 Causes and Consequences of Political Behavior

There are two factors that contributing to political behavior; individual factors and
organizational factors.

a) Individual Factors

At the individual level, researchers have identified certain personality traits, needs,
and other factors likely to be related to political behavior. Employees who are high

self-monitors, possess an internal locus of control, and have a high need for power

are more likely to engage in political behavior. Also, employees with Machiavellian

personality—characterized by the will to manipulate and the desire for power—is
comfortable using politics as a means to further his or her self-interest. In addition, an

individual’s investment in the organization, perceived alternatives, and expectations

of success influence the degree to which he or she will pursue illegitimate means of

political action.

b) Organizational Factors

Reallocation of resources within an organization would cause opportunity for

promotions and this is when politicking is more likely to surface. When organizations
downsize to improve efficiency, resources must be reduced, and people may engage

in political actions to safeguard what they have. Cultures characterized by low trust,

role ambiguity, unclear performance evaluation systems, zero-sum reward allocation

practices, democratic decision making, high pressures for performance, and self-
serving senior managers will also create breeding grounds for politicking.

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