AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF OFFICE POLITICS ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE BANKING SECTOR OF CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In recent years, the study of office politics has gained attention from researchers and practitioners in the field of management, mostly due to its controversial character. As a result of this, the interaction of politics is unavoidable due to its widespread use in all aspects of organisational existence. It is a prevalent practice in the majority of households, primarily employed to accomplish their personal objectives. Politics encompasses the interactions and connections between individuals, which are inherently political. These relationships must be carefully and responsibly controlled to prevent them from spiralling out of control (Krietner & Kinicki, 2019). 

According to McShane and Von-Glinow (2020), office politics refers to the deliberate use of discretionary actions to influence 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) argue that office politics arises as a result of a limited number of work opportunities. The author posits that as a management ascends in a hierarchy, the prospect of further advancement becomes increasingly challenging due to the scarcity of accessible positions at higher echelons. In order to vie for these limited job opportunities and enhance their prospects for advancement and allocation of organisational resources, personnel engage in manipulative political tactics to bolster their authority and influence. Their aim is to fulfil their personal, departmental, and functional objectives, rather than prioritising the overall interests of the organisation. 

In their study, Schuler, Rehbein, and Cramer (2020) contend that negative political behaviour can hinder organisational decision-making. This occurs when managers intentionally manipulate the decision-making process to serve their personal interests, by excluding any issues they do not support from formal discussions and 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 closer proximity to positions of power or are actively engaged in organisational politics tend to outperform their counterparts who are excluded from such 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 entails implementing transparent policies and regulations within the workplace to foster a democratic work environment that fosters productivity and teamwork among employees, while also mitigating conflicts and animosity that can hinder productivity in the office. Therefore, this study aims to assess the influence of office politics on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon.

Statement of the Problem

Office politics is everywhere in the workplace.  Politics involves human factor and the relationship that arise out of it is political which should be managed and handled with care, sincerity and maturity before getting out of control (Krietner & Kinicki 2018). An important issue highlighted in this study is the presence of 'detrimental political conduct' or manipulation, which has a negative impact on employee performance due to conflicts, animosity, and resentment arising from an uncomfortable work environment. The consequence is that it results to poorer productivity in the work place if not controlled correctly. 

Recent study by Robbins, Judge and Sanghi (2018) indicate that politics has a lot of possible repercussions on work outcome and affects organizational processes such as; decision making, promotion, rewards and among others either favourably or negatively. According to the research conducted by George and Jones (2019), it has been observed that engaging in excellent political behaviour throughout the decision-making process can lead to favourable work outcomes and contribute to the achievement of an organization's goals. Good political behaviour is demonstrated when managers or groups collaborate to generate diverse solutions to a problem and leverage their position or power to advocate for these solutions in a positive manner. The resulting debates regarding the proposed course of action can enhance the overall quality of organisational decision-making. Apart from that, investigations by Buchanan and Badham (2018) have pointed out that excellent political behavior plays good significant role in organizational life than is typically recognized, or openly admitted. The authors argue that excellent political behavior promotes beneficial initiatives in the organization that can foster changes to preserve the power bases as well as to influence individuals or groups to produce corporate benefits. 

Based on this, study is necessitated and research objective focus to assess the influence of office politics on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon.

 1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess the influence of office politics on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon. Specifically, the study will;

Determine whether office politics affects employee morale in the banking sector of Cameroon.

Determine the extent office politics affects employee job satisfaction in the banking sector of Cameroon.

Assess the extent to which office politics influences the effectiveness of leadership in banking sector.

Investigate whether office politics contributes to higher turnover rates and challenges in talent retention and recruitment in the banking sector of Cameroon.

1.4  Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

Does office politics affect employee morale in the banking sector of Cameroon?

To what extent does office politics affect employee job satisfaction in the banking sector of Cameroon?

To what extent does office politics influence the effectiveness of leadership in the banking sector?

Does office politics contribute to higher turnover rates and challenges in talent retention and recruitment in the banking sector of Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0: Office politics have no significant influence on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon.

Ha: Office politics has a significant influence on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the Study

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 influence of office politics on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon.

1.7 Scope of the study   

The scope of this study is boarded on the influence of office politics on organizational performance in the banking sector of Cameroon. Empirically, the study will determine whether office politics affects employee morale in the banking sector, determine the extent office politics affects employee job satisfaction in the banking sector, assess the extent to which office politics influences the effectiveness of leadership in banking sector and investigate whether office politics contributes to higher turnover rates and challenges in talent retention and recruitment in the banking sector.

Geographically, the study will be delimited to some selected banks in  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.

Organizational Performance: Effectiveness and efficiency with which an organization achieves its goals and objectives.