Beyond the Dark Side: Positive Appraisals of Organizational Politics and the Role of Political Skill

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between employees’ Perceptions of Organizational Politics (POP) and their engagement within Indian higher education institutions. Guided by the Challenge–Hindrance Stressor Framework and Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, it also investigates the mediating role of political skill—the ability to understand and influence others. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 227 university employees through validated scales measuring POP, political skill, and engagement. Mediation analysis in JAMOVI showed that POP has a direct positive impact on employee engagement, indicating that politics, when appraised as a challenge, can enhance involvement at work. Political skill was also identified as a significant partial mediator, explaining 15.4% of the total effect, with both mediation paths positive and significant. These findings challenge the dominant negative narrative around organizational politics, suggesting that politically skilled employees can transform political demands into opportunities that build resources and strengthen engagement.