ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF OFFICE POLITICS ON EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION IN CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONS IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Leadership qualities such as drive and foresight play a crucial role in predicting the values and norms within companies. These qualities are complemented by strategic direction, effective orientation, organisational dynamics, and innovation (Masale 2020). The aggregation of all the skills, capabilities, and information possessed by the individuals employed inside a company is undeniably regarded as the most valuable asset. It is crucial to involve all individuals who are working towards achieving the desired objectives (Ullah & Ahmad, 2018). Raziq and Maulabakhsh (2018) argue that contemporary organisations encounter numerous obstacles due to the intricate nature of the climate. One of the primary issues faced by companies is to ensure the satisfaction of their employees in order to navigate a constantly evolving and advancing environment, achieve success, and maintain competitiveness. Gull & Zaidi (2017) define organisational politics as a means by which individuals can achieve their objectives outside of the established channels. The impact of political actions on the organisation is contingent upon the alignment between people' objectives and their intended purposes. 

Office politics refers to the strategies and manoeuvres used by individuals and groups to gain personal or collective advantages in a professional environment. It is often associated with negative connotations. It encompasses the interplay of power dynamics, social networks, and individual competencies that employees deploy to exert influence over decision-making, advance in their professional trajectories, or uphold their positions within an organisation (Sharma, 2024). The primary outcome of workplace or office politics is When employees divert their attention from their tasks to participate in detrimental actions like gossiping, undermining others, and criticising their coworkers, both productivity and the work environment suffer adverse effects. Workplace politics at a company often lead to employees failing to fulfil deadlines and experiencing a significant decline in overall productivity (Etim, 2023). When internal politics are widespread, people or employees may struggle to stay focused on their tasks. Instead of promoting mutual growth, individuals start to display an increased tendency to harm the reputations of their colleagues (Nirupama, 2023).

Gull and Zaidi (2017) assert that political perspectives are an inherent and observable phenomenon in all organisations without any doubt. Furthermore, Gull and Zaidi (2017) emphasise that organisational politics involves people prioritising their own interests and exhibiting deceitful behaviour towards their work environment. The expression of these self-interests might have a detrimental impact on both other employees and organisational objectives. Gull and Zaidi (2017) argue that job satisfaction refers to the emotional state of individuals in relation to their work. According to Weaver et al. (2018), job satisfaction can be described as the positive emotional state that arises from an individual's evaluation of their employment. Organisational politics has significantly impacted output. According to Rim, Yang, and Lee (2019), it disrupts the regular operations of firms, such as promotions, decision-making, and awards, leading to a major impact on productivity and performance at both the organisational and individual levels. In addition, Budiasih et al. (2020) emphasise that fairness and justice are closely and significantly associated with political perceptions, which have a considerable impact (both good and negative) on personnel satisfaction, although this impact may vary among individuals.

Job satisfaction refers to the state of enjoyment and fulfilment experienced by an employee in their workplace. Job satisfaction is a crucial determinant of an employee's morale, motivation, and ability to fulfil their goals in the workplace (Juan, 2023). Occasionally, job satisfaction within an organisation might have a detrimental impact when below-average employees choose to stay due to their contentment with the work environment (Bernard et al., 2021). Job satisfaction refers to the amalgamation of employees' emotions and sentiments regarding how their job affects their personal lives. However, this combination just represents a psychological phenomenon. Job satisfaction should be examined from the administrative, socio-economic, and organisational standpoint. Spector (2018) defined work fulfilment as the amalgamation of emotions over the job that may be assessed. He identified 9 areas of occupational fulfilment. The areas encompassed are compensation, advancement, oversight, perks, protocols, operational guidelines, colleagues, job characteristics, and communication. Nevertheless, the presence of organisational politics in the workplace can diminish job satisfaction (Spector, 2018).

Office politics can have a substantial impact on job satisfaction, which is an important factor in employee retention, productivity, and organisational commitment (Luke et al., 2019). In an environment characterised by the widespread influence of office politics, employees may encounter diminished job satisfaction, resulting in elevated rates of employee turnover, decreased productivity, and heightened levels of workplace stress. On the other hand, if well handled, the impacts of office politics can be reduced, potentially resulting in a more peaceful work atmosphere (Bassey, 2021). Cameroon, a country characterised by a wide range of cultural and socio-economic factors, has experienced significant expansion in its corporate sector. Nevertheless, this expansion has been accompanied by difficulties, such as the widespread existence of office politics. Gaining insight into the intricacies of office politics and how it affects employee job satisfaction in corporate organisations in Cameroon is vital for the creation of efficient management strategies and policies that aim to improve employee well-being and organisational productivity. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Office politics refers to the manipulation and strategic maneuvering that takes place within an organisation with the aim of gaining advantage or power. These activities can have a considerable impact on several elements of organisational life. The intersection of traditional social institutions and modern business procedures in Cameroon creates a unique difficulty in studying the impact of office politics on employee work satisfaction, which has not been fully researched.

Office politics frequently exerts a substantial influence on the workplace atmosphere and employee results in corporate organisations throughout Cameroon. The complex interplay of office politics, encompassing power relations, favouritism, and manipulation, can have a significant impact on multiple facets of the organisational climate (Segun, 2022). Employee job satisfaction is significantly affected by these dynamics. Employee job satisfaction is a crucial factor that influences productivity, engagement, and retention. Elevated levels of discontentment can result in diminished morale, elevated rates of employee attrition, and impaired organisational efficacy (Dominion, 2021). Gaining insight into the influence of office politics on job satisfaction is essential for organisations seeking to cultivate a favourable work atmosphere and improve overall efficiency.

According to Adenekan (2020), office politics might result in a decline in organisational commitment. He additionally asserts that office politics have the potential to erode employees' emotional connection to their organisation. According to Sanchez (2022), the presence of favouritism, manipulation, and power struggles can result in a decrease in job satisfaction, causing employees to feel less emotionally committed to their tasks and the organization's objectives. Employees' normative commitment to an organisation can be diminished by the perception of unfair treatment or manipulation, leading to a decreased sense of obligation to remain with the organisation (Kushner, 2021). Furthermore, according to Abayomi (2020), a significant correlation exists between elevated levels of office politics and heightened employee turnover intentions. Office politics can result in a toxic work atmosphere, which can cause employees to be less likely to stay with the organisation. This can lead to increased rates of employee turnover and the accompanying expenses.

Although work happiness is widely acknowledged as crucial for organisational performance, there is a lack of empirical study on the specific impact of office politics on job satisfaction inside corporate organisations in Cameroon. This study seeks to address this void by investigating the characteristics and scope of office politics in business organisations in Cameroon, as well as evaluating its influence on employee work satisfaction.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the impact of office politics on employee job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To find out whether there is a relationship between office politics and job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon.

To evaluate the Impact of Office Politics on employees' overall job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon

To assess the Impact of Office Politics on employee commitment in Corporate organizations in Cameroon

To assess the Impact of Office Politics on employee engagement and performance in Corporate organizations in Cameroon

To suggest strategies for creating a more transparent and fair work environment that enhances employee job satisfaction

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

Is there a significant relationship between office politics and job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon?

What is the Impact of Office Politics on employees' overall job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon?

What is the Impact of Office Politics on employee commitment in Corporate organizations in Cameroon?

What is the Impact of Office Politics on employee engagement and performance in Corporate organizations in Cameroon?

What are the strategies for creating a more transparent and fair work environment that enhances employee job satisfaction?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: Office politics have no significant impact on overall job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon.

Ha: Office politics have significant impact on overall job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon.

1.6 Significance of the study

The research on the influence of workplace politics on employee job satisfaction in corporate organisations in Cameroon is of great importance to multiple stakeholders, such as employees, managers, and organisational leaders. 

The study offers insights into the elements that contribute to employee unhappiness by examining the impact of various forms of office politics on job satisfaction. Having a comprehensive grasp of this concept is essential for formulating effective approaches to enhance employee welfare and job contentment. By addressing the adverse consequences of office politics, it is possible to create a more favourable work environment, which in turn can improve employees' overall job satisfaction and mental well-being.

Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between high job satisfaction and increased productivity and improved performance. Organisations may cultivate a more engaged and motivated workforce by reducing the detrimental effects of office politics. Gaining insight into and effectively managing the influence of office politics can lead to a decrease in employee attrition, resulting in cost savings for organisations in terms of recruiting and training expenses.

Furthermore, the results can provide managers and leaders with valuable insights into the significance of equitable and open procedures. It assists individuals in comprehending how to identify and handle workplace power dynamics, ultimately resulting in enhanced leadership skills and more successful management techniques. Organisations can utilise the findings of the study to compare current practices with industry norms and implement optimal strategies to improve employee happiness and organisational efficiency.

Furthermore, the results of the study can aid policymakers and corporate executives in formulating methods to tackle the difficulties presented by office politics, ultimately leading to the development of more efficient organisational plans and policies. The study can provide valuable insights for the formulation of policies and protocols targeted at mitigating the prevalence and consequences of office politics, therefore fostering a more robust organisational culture.

Ultimately, the study contributes to the existing information on office politics and job satisfaction, specifically in the setting of business organisations in Cameroon. It can function as a point of reference for future studies in the fields of organisational behaviour and human resource management.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the impact of office politics on employee job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon. Specifically, this study seeks to find out whether there is a relationship between office politics and job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon, evaluate the Impact of Office Politics on employees' overall job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon and assess the Impact of Office Politics on employee commitment in Corporate organizations in Cameroon. 

Further, this study will focus on assessing the Impact of Office Politics on employee engagement and performance in Corporate organizations in Cameroon and it also seeks to suggest strategies for creating a more transparent and fair work environment that enhances employee job satisfaction.

 The study is carried out in Cameroon. 

1.8 Limitations of the study

As with any human endeavor, the researchers faced many minor constraints during the investigation. The main limitation was the lack of extensive literature on the subject, due to the limited availability of data about the assessment of the impact of office politics on employee job satisfaction in Corporate organizations in Cameroon. Hence, a significant allocation of time and exertion was necessary to ascertain the appropriate materials, books, or information and amass data. 

Furthermore, this study is constrained by its small sample size and narrow geographical scope, focusing solely on Cameroon. Therefore, the conclusions of this study cannot be extended to other situations, thus requiring further investigation. 

Moreover, the limits faced by the researcher were primarily due to financial constraints, as they are a student without any source of income to sustain themselves. The exorbitant transportation charges at the research location posed a challenge in meeting the expenses associated with transportation fees.

Furthermore, the researcher faced a time constraint due to the need to do this research while still fulfilling the obligations of attending lectures and participating in other educational activities.

1.9 Definition of terms

Politics: Politics is activities aimed at improving someone's status or increasing power within an organization.

Office politics: Also known as office politics and organizational politics, it involves the use of power and social networking within a workplace to achieve changes that benefit individuals within it.

Organizational commitment: Organizational commitment refers to the level of engagement and dedication team members feel toward their individual jobs and the organization. It also describes the different reasons professionals remain with an employer rather than seek opportunities elsewhere.

Job satisfaction: Job satisfaction is defined as the level of contentment employees feel with their job. This goes beyond their daily duties to cover satisfaction with team members/managers, satisfaction with organizational policies, and the impact of their job on employees' personal lives