Use of Political Skills by Leaders to Establish Successful Organizational Change

Abstract

This study examines how leaders' political skills affect employee commitment and job ambiguity during organizational change, particularly when leader-employee interaction time is limited. We found that interpersonal influence and networking ability consistently benefit employees, regardless of how often leaders interact with them. Apparent sincerity is effective when leaders maintain regular contact, while high levels of social astuteness can backfire, causing more job ambiguity and less commitment. The research underscores the importance of these political skills in supporting employees and ensuring successful organizational change, even when leaders have limited interaction time with their employees.