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Developing and Utilizing Network Resources: Roles of Political Skill

Li-Qun Wei, Flora F. T. Chiang, Long-Zeng Wu

Journal of Management Studies · 2012 · Volume 49 · Issue 2

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.2010.00987.x

Abstract

This study examines the role of political skill in thedevelopmentandutilizationof network resources at the individual level. Drawing on the behavioural and network perspectives as well as political skill literature, we propose that political skill increases one's network resources (developing network), which will benefit his/her performance and career success. Moreover, political skill is hypothesized to strengthen the relationships between network resources and performance and career outcomes (utilizing network). A two-wave study on a sample of 281 supervisor–subordinate dyads from six electronic firms in China confirms our hypotheses. Our examination of the dual role of political skill facilitates a better understanding of the networking process from the perspective of individual skill/behaviour, thus enriching the behavioural theory and network literature. Implications are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.

Keywords

career growth potential, network resources, performance, political skill

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