Abstract
In this article, we highlight an increasingly important issue in the workplace: the dysfunctional divide between employees of different political affiliations that results in reduced trust and heightened conflict. We provide evidence that differences in political views are having an increasingly corrosive effect on trust, interpersonal relations, and the very ability of teams—at all levels and in many countries around the world—to achieve their missions and to reach their objectives. Drawing from data we collected from managers and professionals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrate the consequences of political polarization in the workplace and explain both how trust is built and how empathy has become an increasingly important factor in trust building among coworkers. Most importantly, we provide actionable strategies for team leaders as to how to effectively manage political polarization and increase trust among team members.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 729-740 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Business Horizons |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2023 |
Keywords
- Contact theory
- Organizational diversity
- Organizational empathy
- Organizational trust
- Political polarization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business and International Management
- Marketing