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The nonlinear impact of perceptions of organizational politics on unethical pro-organizational behavior in Chinese culture: Moderating role of Zhongyong

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  • Hao Zhou

    (Sichuan University)

  • Yang Ran

    (Sichuan University)

Abstract

In this study, we examined the relationship between perceptions of organizational politics (POP) and unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), which is defined as the unethical behaviors adopted by employees to potentially benefit their organizations. Furthermore, we tested the moderating effect of Zhongyong, a traditional Chinese thinking style, on the POP–UPB relationship. Drawing on social learning theory, we hypothesized that POP has an inverted U-shaped relationship with UPB and that Zhongyong can have flattening and turning-point moderating impacts on this curvilinear relationship. In Study 1, a scenario-based experiment with a sample size of 95 was conducted to test the inverted U-shaped relationship between POP and UPB. In Study 2, we replicated the findings of Study 1 using a two-wave survey featuring 227 participants and further tested the moderating role of Zhongyong in this context. These findings improve our understanding of the influence of employees’ POP on their UPB.

Suggested Citation

  • Hao Zhou & Yang Ran, 2023. "The nonlinear impact of perceptions of organizational politics on unethical pro-organizational behavior in Chinese culture: Moderating role of Zhongyong," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(4), pages 1544-1566, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:22:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1057_s41291-023-00216-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-023-00216-7
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