Gender diversity in the perception of organisational politics in South Africa

Abstract

This research examined men and women managers' perceptions of organisational politics (OP) in South Africa. The research replicated the methodology of an earlier American study and found that while gender differences in perceptions of OP exist in the United States, similar differences were not observed in South Africa. The research points to two findings relevant to the study of OP and gender diversity research in South Africa. First, it highlights the relatively low importance of gender as a mediating factor in the way OP is judged by men and women managers in South Africa. Secondly, the study supports the notion that men and women relate to power and politics similarly instead of affiliating with their gender group when judging political behaviour. Both findings hold promise for promoting future positive inter-group gender relations in the workplace as women increasingly advance into senior management positions and work more closely with men in similar positions and as equal colleagues.