The Role of Culture on Perceptions of Organizational Politics and Work Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine the moderating role of national culture on the relationship between perceptions of organizational politics and individual attitudes and behaviors. Based on 292 independent effect sizes, we found that a) perceptions of politics has negative relationships with employee attitudes (e.g., organizational commitment), relationships (e.g., LMX), and performance, and positive relationships with strain, turnover intentions and perceptions of uncertainty. Further, in high uncertainty avoidant cultures, the negative relationship between perceptions of politics and justice are stronger and the positive relationship between perceptions of politics and turnover are weaker. In highly individualistic cultures, the negative relationships between perceptions of politics and organizational commitment and empowerment are stronger. Finally, in high power distance cultures, the relationship between politics and task performance is weaker. These findings indicate that although people typically respond negatively to organizational politics, their reactions may depend on cultural values.