Impact of Perception of Politics on Workplace incivility of Employees: Evidence from Banking Sector of Pakistan

Abstract

Perception of Politics is an issue of prime consideration in any organization. Whenever two or more people work together they experience some degree of politics in their interaction with one another. The stronger the perception of politics is the stronger will be the response of employees. The response can be in a form of aggression, turnover, intentions of quit or in some form of Workplace incivility. In this research we have aimed to establish a relationship between perception of politics and workplace incivility. Perception of Politics differs from actual work politics in a sense that this perception may or may not be based on reality but the basis of perception can be individual experiences, beliefs, feelings and interactions with fellow employees. The reaction of employees towards perception of politics is workplace incivility. The research has been carried out in Commercial banking sector of Pakistan and five leading banks were studied for analysis. The research has been analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Quantitative analysis is conducted using survey questionnaire with the sample of 150 respondents working in different levels in 5 banks. The results of questionnaire were interpreted using SPSS Statistical analysis The results helped in supporting the hypothesis that Perception of Politics has a strong relationship with workplace incivility. The Qualitative analysis was carried out by conducting unstructured interviews. The results of which revealed certain other variables that supports the relationship between perception of Politics and workplace incivility. These variables included organizational culture and its influence, Job Stress, lack of compensation plan etc. All these factors combine to shape the individual’s opinion about perception of Politics leading to workplace incivility. Towards the end of this research few recommendations and managerial implications along with future research directions are stated for the reference of reader.