The impact of political skill on impression management effectiveness

Kenneth J. Harris, Suzanne Zivnuska, K. Michele Kacmar, Jason DeFrance Shaw

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

337 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, the authors investigated the effect of an individual's political skill on the relationships between 5 different impression management tactics (intimidation, exemplification, ingratiation, self-promotion, and supplication) and supervisor evaluations of performance. To test these relationships, the authors used a matched sample of 173 supervisor-subordinate dyads who worked full time in a state agency. Findings showed that individuals who used high levels of any of the tactics and who were politically skilled achieved more desirable supervisor ratings than did those who used the tactics but were not politically skilled. Opposite results were found when impression management usage was low. That is, individuals who were not politically skilled created a more desirable image in their supervisors' eyes than did their politically skilled counterparts when they did not use these tactics. Practical and research implications for the findings as well as directions for future research are offered.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)278-285
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Applied Psychology
Volume92
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Impression management
  • Job performance
  • Political skill
  • Social influence
  • Supervisor evaluation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Applied Psychology

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