A continued examination of the inverse relationship between political skill and strain reactions: exploring reputation as a mediating factor

The positive correlation between political skill and the reduction of the effects of stressors (i.e., strain reaction) in the workplace is well documented. This paper furthers the examination of this correlation by examining the impact of reputation as a mediator. It is posited that individuals possessing political skill are likely to build positive reputations, which, in turn, aid in the reduction of perceived stressors in the workplace. It is hypothesized that it is one's reputation rather than one's social ability (i.e., political skill) that affects an individual's response to stressors. One hundred and eighty‐one professionals were surveyed. Both their political skill and also stress levels were examined, as well as the perceptions held by their coworkers of their reputations. Results demonstrated a mediating effect of reputation between political skill and strain reactions.