Voice behavior and performance ratings: The role of political skill

Making changes work in organizations requires that employees voice their suggestions. However, previous research has found inconsistent results regarding the relationship between voice and performance ratings. Using a sample of employees from a hotel, this study confirms the negative perspective of the relationship. In further exploring the role of political skill between such employees, it is found that this skill not only has a strong effect on performance ratings but also moderates the relationship between voice and performance ratings. Finally, the implications and limitations of the findings as well as some methodological issues are discussed and elaborated.

► There exist inconsistent results regarding the relationship between voice and performanceratings.
► We examine the role of political skill between voice and performance ratings.
► Political skill has a strong effect on performance ratings.
► Political skill attenuated the negative effect that voice behavior brings to performance ratings.