Yuvaraj Dhanasekar, Anandh KS

Gender’s Moderating Effect on Perceived Organizational Politics and Withdrawal Dimensions Among Construction Professionals

Introduction

Gender’s moderating effect on perceived organizational politics and withdrawal dimensions among construction professionals. Examines gender's moderating effect on organizational politics and withdrawal among construction professionals. Reveals politics impacts withdrawal; females disengage more. Vital for fair workplaces.

Abstract

The current study examines the impact of perceived organizational politics on employee organizational withdrawal dimensions within the construction sector, a field characterized by a challenging work environment and high employee turnover. Grounded in Equity Theory, the research examines the moderating role of gender in the relationship between perceived organizational politics and psychological and physical withdrawal behaviors. Data from 318 construction professionals were collected through a quantitative survey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that perceived organizational politics significantly influences withdrawal behaviors, with female professionals showing a greater tendency to disengage compared to their male counterparts. This research contributes original insights to the construction management literature by highlighting the gendered effects of organizational politics on employee withdrawal, a previously underexplored area. The study underscores the critical need for organizations to address political dynamics in the workplace to foster a fair and supportive environment, ultimately enhancing employee well-being and organizational performance.

Review

This study presents a timely and important investigation into the impact of perceived organizational politics on employee withdrawal within the high-stakes construction sector. By grounding its analysis in Equity Theory and specifically examining gender as a moderating factor, the research addresses a critical, yet previously underexplored, dimension of workplace dynamics in a challenging environment known for high turnover. The use of a robust quantitative methodology, including a substantial sample of 318 construction professionals analyzed with PLS-SEM, lends credibility to its findings, offering a significant contribution to construction management literature. The core findings are compelling: perceived organizational politics demonstrably influences withdrawal behaviors, and crucially, gender plays a significant moderating role. The revelation that female professionals exhibit a greater tendency to disengage compared to their male counterparts is a particularly salient and actionable insight. This gendered effect not only adds a nuanced layer to our understanding of organizational politics but also underscores the disproportionate impact certain workplace stressors can have on different demographic groups, highlighting potential inequities that may be exacerbated within the construction industry. While the study effectively establishes the existence and significance of gender’s moderating effect, future research could delve deeper into the specific mechanisms driving the observed higher disengagement among female professionals. Exploring the qualitative experiences of women regarding organizational politics, or examining which particular dimensions of politics disproportionately affect them, could provide richer context. Furthermore, building on the study’s call for organizations to address political dynamics, subsequent work could focus on developing and testing targeted interventions or policy frameworks designed to foster a more equitable and supportive environment, specifically mitigating the unique vulnerabilities faced by women in this industry.

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