What is the main focus of the research on organizational politics?

The research primarily focuses on the impact of perceived organizational politics on employee turnover within Zimbabwe's Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It investigates how employees' perceptions of fairness and equity, or lack thereof, influence their decisions to stay or leave their jobs, especially in the context of developing countries like Zimbabwe where economic and social conditions can amplify these effects.

How does 'justice judgment theory' relate to organizational politics and employee behavior?

'Justice judgment theory' is central to understanding the impact of organizational politics. It posits that employees' feelings about fairness significantly shape their attitudes and behaviors. When employees perceive fairness, they show greater satisfaction and commitment. Conversely, perceived inequity due to organizational politics can lead to dissatisfaction, reduced organizational commitment, and increased turnover intentions. This creates a domino effect, ultimately affecting productivity and morale.

What are some negative consequences of organizational politics on employees?

Organizational politics can lead to several negative outcomes for employees. These include reduced organizational commitment, where employees feel less connected to the organization's goals; increased turnover intentions, as employees actively seek new job opportunities; decreased productivity, stemming from reduced motivation and efficiency; and damaged morale, as a negative atmosphere spreads throughout the team, affecting overall performance. These factors together undermine the success of the organization.

Why is understanding organizational politics in SMEs important, especially in Zimbabwe?

SMEs are crucial for economic growth and job creation, yet the impact of organizational politics in these businesses often gets overlooked. In developing countries like Zimbabwe, unique economic and social conditions can amplify the effects of these politics. Therefore, understanding how organizational politics affects employees in Zimbabwean SMEs is vital for fostering a stable and productive workforce. This knowledge can inform strategies to reduce turnover and improve overall organizational success, which is critical for economic development.

What strategies can SMEs implement to combat the negative effects of organizational politics?

To mitigate the adverse impacts of organizational politics, SMEs can implement several strategies. These include establishing clear codes of conduct to define acceptable behavior, rewarding ethical behavior to reinforce fairness, and fostering teamwork and cooperation to promote a supportive environment. By focusing on equity and transparency, SMEs can build a more engaged, committed, and productive workforce. This, in turn, can lead to reduced turnover and greater organizational success for both employees and the business.

Tug-of-war between employees and office building, representing organizational politics

Is Office Politics Killing Your Company? How to Spot It and What to Do

Beau Callahan in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unveiling the impact of perceived organizational politics on employee turnover in Zimbabwe's SME sector."

Organizational politics has always been a topic of interest for both academics and business leaders. Recent studies show that workplace politics can negatively affect employees' perceptions of fairness, reduce their commitment, and increase turnover intentions. It's becoming clear that managing these perceptions is crucial for maintaining a stable and productive workforce.

While much research has focused on large corporations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often get overlooked. SMEs are vital for economic growth and job creation, but the impact of organizational politics in these businesses is still not well understood. This is especially true in developing countries like Zimbabwe, where unique economic and social conditions may amplify these effects.

New research aims to fill this gap by exploring how employees' perceptions of organizational politics in Zimbabwean SMEs influence their decisions to stay or leave. The study also examines the roles of perceived equity and organizational commitment in this process, providing valuable insights for business owners and managers looking to create a fairer and more supportive work environment.

The Domino Effect of Perceived Unfairness: From Politics to Turnover

Tug-of-war between employees and office building, representing organizational politics

At the heart of this research lies the concept of 'justice judgment theory,' which suggests that employees' feelings about fairness significantly impact their attitudes and behaviors at work. When employees believe they are treated fairly, they are more satisfied and committed. However, when organizational politics create a sense of inequity, a chain reaction can occur. High perceived inequity can lead to dissatisfaction, reduced organizational commitment, and, ultimately, a higher likelihood of employees seeking employment elsewhere.

Imagine a workplace where promotions are based on favoritism, resources are unfairly distributed, and some individuals manipulate decisions to their advantage. In such an environment, employees are likely to feel insecure, undervalued, and resentful. This not only damages morale but also undermines their sense of loyalty to the organization. When employees no longer believe their efforts are recognized or rewarded fairly, they begin to disengage emotionally and consider their options.

Reduced Commitment: Employees feel less connected to the organization's goals and values.
Increased Turnover Intentions: Employees actively start looking for new job opportunities.
Decreased Productivity: Employees may become less motivated and efficient in their roles.
Damaged Morale: A negative atmosphere can spread throughout the team, affecting overall performance.

This study highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of perceived organizational politics to prevent this domino effect. By creating a culture of transparency, fairness, and recognition, businesses can foster a more engaged and committed workforce, reducing turnover and boosting overall success.

Turning the Tide: Strategies for a Fairer Workplace

The findings of this study offer valuable insights for business owners and managers in SMEs, particularly in developing countries. By understanding the profound impact of perceived organizational politics on employee attitudes and behaviors, businesses can take proactive steps to cultivate a fairer and more supportive work environment. This includes implementing clear codes of conduct, rewarding ethical behavior, and fostering teamwork and cooperation. Ultimately, investing in a culture of equity and transparency can lead to a more engaged, committed, and productive workforce, driving success for both employees and the organization as a whole.