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Human Nature, Organizational Politics, and Human Resource Development

Baruch College, The City University of New York

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: Donald_Vredenburgh{at}baruch.cuny.edu.

	Abstract

The human species possesses psychological attributes derived from evolutionary natural selection. This human nature has developed historically in adaptation to fundamental conditions that continue to exist in modern work organizations. Thus genetic predispositions can cause contemporary self-interested behavior amid organizational threats and opportunities. Select individual attributes and particular organizational conditions suggest specific political behaviors, represented here as theoretical propositions about organizational politics. The prevalence of organizational politics defines a need for human resource development programs to lessen dysfunctional politics. Organizations can act through individual and organizational development programs based on needs assessments to increase awareness of dysfunctional outcomes, discourage political behaviors, and encourage alternative practices. In addition, the human resources function can contribute organizationally by fostering positive organizational politics in the form of responsive interpersonal leadership.

First published on August 13, 2009
Human Resource Development Review 2009, doi:10.1177/1534484309343094


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