The Impact of Perceived Organizational Politics on Peer Voice Endorsement: A Dual Mediation Model

TL;DR

This study shows how perceptions of office politics can reduce peer support for speaking up at work, through reduced psychological safety and commitment.

Contribution

The paper introduces a dual mediation model linking perceived organizational politics to peer voice endorsement via psychological safety and affective commitment.

Findings

Perceived organizational politics negatively affects psychological safety and affective commitment.

Psychological safety and affective commitment mediate the relationship between perceived politics and peer voice endorsement.

Creating a psychologically safe and committed environment encourages peer voice endorsement.

Abstract

Peer voice endorsement, an emerging focus in voice research, is recognized for its important role in enhancing work efficiency. This study aims to examine the impact of perceived organizational politics on peer voice endorsement. It also explores the underlying mechanisms by developing a model based on the cognitive-affective personality system theory. Study data were collected in three waves from 226 full-time employees in China. The hypotheses were examined using SPSS 25.0 and the PROCESS macro. Empirical results indicate that perceived organizational politics negatively affects both psychological safety and affective commitment. Psychological safety and affective commitment also play a facilitating role in peer voice endorsement. Moreover, these two factors serve as mediators in the relationship between perceived organizational politics and peer voice endorsement. By highlighting the pivotal role of perceived organizational politics, this study offers valuable insights into its implications for peer voice endorsement. It further underscores the significance of psychological safety and affective commitment, demonstrating their essential function in cultivating a work environment that encourages peer voice endorsement.

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