Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5893-7838

Advisor

Ellen III, B. Parker

Committee Member

Landers, V. Myles

Committee Member

Craven, Michele M.

Committee Member

Mackey, Jeremy

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 2 Years

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Major

Business Administration (Management)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Business

Department

Department of Management and Information Systems

Abstract

Politics in organizations is a pervasive phenomenon influencing power dynamics, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. While research on perceptions of organizational politics (POPs) has advanced significantly, it predominantly focuses on perceptions of organizational and group phenomena. This dissertation addresses a critical gap by introducing and empirically investigating the construct of Individual Political Reputation (IPR), which captures how individuals are perceived as political actors. Drawing on attribution theory, this dissertation examines how IPR shapes perceivers’ emotional and behavioral reactions through four metaphorical domains: Procurer, Preserver, Protector, and Provider reputations. Through a three-study design, this research tests the validity of the IPR typology and its consequences. Study 1 validates the four IPR domains using experimental vignettes. Studies 2 and 3 explore the role of attributional dimensions: controllability and locus of causality, in shaping emotional reactions (e.g., anger, gratitude) and subsequent behavioral responses (e.g., citizenship behaviors, counterproductive behaviors). Results indicate that perceptions of political behavior differ based on perceived beneficiaries (self vs. others) and behavioral characteristics (assertive vs. defensive), with distinct implications for reputation formation and organizational outcomes. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of organizational politics by highlighting the importance of interpersonal perceptions. By integrating the POPs and reputation literatures, this research provides a framework for assessing the complex interplay of political behavior, attributions, and outcomes. Practical implications include strategies for managing political reputations to foster constructive organizational dynamics.

Download

Share

COinS