“Can politics really be beneficial?” Toward a model for positive politics through consensus

Abstract

PurposeThis article wants to propose deeper insights and clarifications into the effects of organizational politics which have been at the center of many debates in decision-making literature. For a long time, the debate focused on the negative effects of organizational politics and how to avoid them. This article wants to explore the positive effects of organizational politics and see how this impacts the consensus process in teams moderated by organizational change.Design/methodology/approachThe article model and propositions are grounded in the organisational politics literature. The analysis builds on the “positive” politics literature which has been gaining steam in the last two decades and links this with the consensus literature.FindingsThe article proposes an integrated model which clearly shows how the three core concepts influence each other through the four proposed hypotheses. Organizational politics can help to create more consensus in a team decision-making process, and this can have a positive effect on team performance.Originality/valueThe article aims to expand insights of organizational politics on decision-making by putting the light on possible positive effects of organizational politics. The article addresses the theoretical gap of how organizational politics can impact the consensus process.

Perceptions of organizational politics and organizational commitment: role of personal motive and ability

“…Although research has recently reported that organizational politics has a positive impact on organizations (Parmentier and Reynaud, 2022), organizational politics is still recognized by many researchers as a factor that has a negative impact on organizations and their members. The meta-analysis studies by Chang et al.…”

“…Although research has recently reported that organizational politics has a positive impact on organizations (Parmentier and Reynaud, 2022), organizational politics is still recognized by many researchers as a factor that has a negative impact on organizations and their members. The meta-analysis studies by Chang et al (2009) and Miller et al (2008) presented that the perceptions of organizational politics increased negative outcomes such as employees' intention to turnover, higher stress, and job tension.…”