OFFICE POLITICS: ASSESSING ITS CONSEQUENTIAL EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR OF CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Office politics refers to the deliberate efforts made by individuals to gain social influence on others who have the power to deliver rewards that will benefit their own self-interests. This phenomena is widespread in the workplace. Employees frequently engage in politicking to enhance their own status at the detriment of others, including coworkers and managers within the same work group. According to McShane and Von-Glinow (2020), office politics can be described as the deliberate use of discretionary actions to exert influence over others in order to further personal goals. Political behaviour refers to actions that individuals take within an organisation to affect the distribution of benefits and drawbacks, even when these actions are not necessary for their formal function in the organisation. Additionally, Schuler et al (2020) assert that office politics arises as a result of job shortages. The author posits that as a management ascends in a hierarchical structure, the challenge of further advancement increases due to the scarcity of available positions at the upper echelons. In order to vie for these coveted positions and enhance their prospects for advancement and allocation of company resources, employees engage in manipulative political tactics to bolster their authority and sway, prioritising their personal, departmental, and functional goals over the overall interests of the organisation. 

Moreover, Schuler, Rehbein, and Cramer (2020) contend that unethical political conduct can hinder organisational decision-making when managers manipulate the process to serve their personal interests. This is achieved by deliberately excluding any issue they oppose from formal discussions and omitting it from the agenda. Regarding promotion, George and Jones (2021) contend that many employees resort to political behaviour in order to secure a promotion or exert influence over organisational decisions in their own favour. In a separate study conducted by Zeiger (2019), it was observed that employees who have greater proximity to positions of power or are actively engaged in organisational politics tend to outperform their peers who are excluded from these dynamics. The dynamics of office politics can also impact the decision-making of those in positions of power (superiors) when assessing whether the general workplace culture fosters productivity. In addition, in order to promote productivity, organisations should cultivate a favourable political culture that is easily comprehensible for employees. This can be achieved by implementing transparent policies and regulations within the workplace, fostering a democratic work environment that fosters productivity and teamwork, while also mitigating conflicts and animosity that can hinder productivity. Thus, businesses who seek to have exceptionally efficient workers will make sure to actively involve them and execute all required measures to enhance productivity and dedication. Therefore, this study aims to assess the consequential effect of office politics on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Office politics, which refers to the strategic actions and power struggles that occur within a company, can have a substantial influence on the productivity of employees. This widespread occurrence continues to be a controversial matter that presents multiple obstacles to the effectiveness of organisations and the morale of employees. To begin with, the negative impacts of workplace politics on employee productivity are diverse. An essential factor is the gradual decline of trust inside the workplace. When employees believe that decisions are affected by bias or undisclosed motives, their confidence in leadership and colleagues decreases. This lack of trust can result in less motivation and involvement, as employees may perceive that their contributions are not appropriately acknowledged or compensated based on their abilities and performance (Gandz & Murray, 2020). The consequent disappointment might result in increased rates of employee turnover, as they search for work environments where their contributions are recognised and valued more equitably. 

Moreover, the significance of the psychological consequences of office politics should not be overlooked. Employees who are subjected to political manoeuvring frequently suffer increased levels of stress and worry. This tension arises from the perpetual requirement to manage intricate interpersonal interactions and safeguard their own interests. An workplace of this nature has the potential to divert employees' attention away from their primary duties, resulting in diminished concentration and productivity (Vigoda-Gadot, 2018). Moreover, the presence of office politics might create a competitive environment that hampers the development of creativity and innovation. Employees may develop a greater aversion to taking risks, as they fear that any failure could be used against them by political opponents, which in turn could impede the organization's capacity to expand and adapt. 

Furthermore, the polarising aspect of workplace politics can disrupt team unity. Collaboration and teamwork are essential in an ideal workplace to accomplish organisational objectives. Hence,it is in the light of these, the study seeks to assess the consequential effect of office politics on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the consequential effect of office politics on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Find out the  common practices of office politics in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon.

Find out  the  effects of office politics on employee productivity.

Find out  the role of leadership in moderating the impact of office politics on productivity.

Propose strategies to enhance employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of, Cameroon

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

What are the common practices of office politics in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon?

What are the effects of office politics on employee productivity?

What is the role of leadership in moderating the impact of office politics on productivity?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Office politics does not have a significant consequential effect on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon.

Ha: Office politics have a significant consequential effect on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will clarify the ways in which office politics affect worker productivity in Cameroon's industrial industry. However, the findings will be used by organisations to put policies into place that lessen the detrimental effects of office politics. Some of these initiatives include creating equitable conflict resolution procedures, enhancing communication channels, and encouraging a more open and inclusive work atmosphere. These actions will contribute to increased employee productivity, lower staff attrition, and a more positive work environment.Additionally, the study may provide coping mechanisms or ways to lessen the negative effects of workplace politics on employee productivity.

Moreover, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regard to the consequential effect of office politics on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the consequential effect of office politics on employee productivity in the manufacturing sector of Cameroon. Empirically, the study will find out the  common practices of office politics in the manufacturing sector, the  effects of office politics on employee productivity, the role of leadership in moderating the impact of office politics on productivity and propose strategies to enhance employee productivity in the manufacturing sector.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to public services of Cameroon.

1.8 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents. In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed. More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.9 Definition of Terms

Office Politics:The use of power and social networking within an organization to achieve changes that benefit individuals or groups. It involves strategic maneuvering, alliances, and competition among employees for personal or professional gain.

Productivity: measured by the quantity and quality of work produced within a specific time frame and can be influenced by factors such as motivation, work environment, and organizational support.

Employee Productivity:The output and efficiency of employees in completing tasks and achieving work objectives. 

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