Perceptions of organizational politics scale: adaptation and validation for the brazilian context

Abstract

This study aimed to provide a Perception of Organizational Politics (POP) Scale adapted and validated for the Brazilian context from the original of Hochwarter, Kacmar, Perrewe and Johnson (2003). The purpose of the instrument is to capture general political behavior involving actions in self-benefit and behind-the-scenes maneuvers. The Portuguese version has undergone successive translations and semantic, cultural e conceptual adaptations. The samples came from the public sector (N = 137) and from the private sector (N = 122). The construct validity was verified by Principal Axis method of factor extraction and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The adapted scale proved to be easy to understand and with reliable structure and psychometric characteristics for future applications in the two researched segments. Preliminary descriptive statistics showed high perceptions of politics when compared to international studies, besides a more pronounced presence in the public sector. The product of this research contributes academically with the provision of an instrument of measurement for a scenario that, although historically described as political, lacks of quantitative approaches about organizational politics. As a practical contribution the scale may help in diagnoses and management actions that consider minimizing the negative effects that the POP brings to the working world.