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The impact of HR political skill in the HRM and organisational performance relationship

Author

Listed:
  • Cathy Sheehan
  • Helen De Cieri
  • Brian K Cooper
  • Robert Brooks

Abstract

The first aim of this study was to test empirically the effect of HR political skill on the relationship between high involvement work practices and organisational performance. A second aim was to test empirically whether an HR executive can use their political skill advantageously within strategic decision-making processes in order to affect organizational performance. Survey responses from 180 HR executives in medium to large employers have been analysed and the results confirm that the political skill of the HR executive strengthens the positive relationship between high involvement work practices and perceived organisational performance, and also strengthens the positive effect of HR involvement in strategic decision-making on organisational performance. The research provides evidence that HR political skill is important both in reinforcing the impact of human resource management (HRM) and the opportunity for HR to be part of strategic decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Cathy Sheehan & Helen De Cieri & Brian K Cooper & Robert Brooks, 2016. "The impact of HR political skill in the HRM and organisational performance relationship," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 41(1), pages 161-181, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ausman:v:41:y:2016:i:1:p:161-181
    DOI: 10.1177/0312896214546055
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li‐Qun Wei & Flora F. T. Chiang & Long‐Zeng Wu, 2012. "Developing and Utilizing Network Resources: Roles of Political Skill," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(2), pages 381-402, March.
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    6. Long‐Zeng Wu & Frederick Hong‐kit Yim & Ho Kwong Kwan & Xiaomeng Zhang, 2012. "Coping with Workplace Ostracism: The Roles of Ingratiation and Political Skill in Employee Psychological Distress," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 49(1), pages 178-199, January.
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    8. Elaine Farndale & Veronica Hope-Hailey, 2009. "Personnel Departmental Power: Realities from the UK Higher Education Sector," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 20(4), pages 392-412.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Aamir Rashid & Rizwana Rasheed, 2023. "Mediation of Inventory Management in the Relationship Between Knowledge and Firm Performance," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(2), pages 21582440231, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    High involvement work practices; political skill; strategic HRM;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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