A Review of Political Skill: Current Research Trend and Directions for Future Research

Abstract

This paper reviews theoretical and empirical research on the use of political skill in organizations and proposes some agendas for future research. Although political skill is a relatively new construct in organizational politics research, a large number of theoretical and empirical studies have been conducted. Five major themes were identified in previous research. These are: (a) definition and measurement of political skill; (b) political skill and stress management; (c) political skill and career success; (d) political skill and individual performance; and (e) political skill and leadership effectiveness. This review critically examines previous empirical studies in light of this theoretical background and points out that, although previous empirical studies support the theoretically assumed effects of political skills, they fail to confirm how and why these skills bring about these effects. Based on this examination, the author suggests the examination of mediators and dimensional differences derived from theory that can lead to more effective exploration of the impact of political skill. In addition, several issues for future research are proposed, which may provide useful insights for both literature and practice.

Hard, soft or ambidextrous? Which influence style promotes managers’ task performance and the role of political skill

“…Such an assertion is supported by amassing empirical evidence associating political skill with favorable personal and organizational outcomes (e.g., Bing, Davison, Minor, Novicevic, & Frink, 2011;Ferris, Treadway, Brouer, & Munyon, 2012;Kimura, 2015;Munyon, Summers, Thompson, & Ferris, 2015;Wihler, Frieder, Blickle, Oerder, & Schütte, 2016). For example a meta-analysis by Bing et al (2011) showed that a positive relationship between political skill and task performance was present, however, such a relationship applied only to occupations that required intense social influence tactics, based on the categorization of Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor.…”

“…In this respect, political skill helps diagnose those influence tactics that seem relevant to the situation and to the target, while it promotes the self-confidence of the agent in exerting influence and increases the effectiveness of influence attempts (Farmer & Maslyn, 1999;Kolodinsky et al, 2007). Indeed Kimura (2015) suggests that politically skilled employees may fit their behavior to the situation and do so in an authentic manner that reinforces trust, while Wihler et al (2016) note that leaders who are strong in political skill engage in situationally specific behavior (i.e., transformational/relational-oriented or transactional/maintenance-oriented) depending on the needs of multiple stakeholders. Finally, those high on political skill may neutralize stressors (e.g., Perrewé et al, 2004) and help resolve tensions ensued from the use of seemingly antipodal behaviors.…”

“…Moreover, multinational corporations should expand their training focus to involve programs aimed at developing employees' political skill. The relevant literature suggests that developing the political skill of employees who are at an early stage of their career has a positive impact on their long term career success (Kimura, 2015). Towards this end, commonly used HR practices and tactics to develop political skill involve role playing exercises, drama-based training, mentoring, developmental simulations (Harris, Kacmar, Zivnuska, & Shaw, 2007;Kimura, 2015).…”

“…The relevant literature suggests that developing the political skill of employees who are at an early stage of their career has a positive impact on their long term career success (Kimura, 2015). Towards this end, commonly used HR practices and tactics to develop political skill involve role playing exercises, drama-based training, mentoring, developmental simulations (Harris, Kacmar, Zivnuska, & Shaw, 2007;Kimura, 2015). Even poetry may contribute towards this end as it helps develop critical interpretation, enhance social ties and self-contemplation (Xing & Liu, 2015).…”

Social Influence Opportunity Recognition, Evaluation, and Capitalization: Increased Theoretical Specification Through Political Skill’s Dimensional Dynamics

“…literature that stems from a lack of theoretical specification regarding political skill's dimensions Kimura, 2015).…”