Open Questions in the Work–Politics Nexus: What Work and Organizational Psychology Can Offer

Abstract

Abstract: With increasing political polarization accompanied by various economic threats and crises, the interplay of politics and work is crucial to understanding emerging phenomena. With this position paper, we highlight what work and organizational psychology can offer in the work–politics nexus. We classify three broad streams in which we see the need for more research on the work–politics nexus: (a) politics affecting work, (b) work affecting political attitudes and engagement, and (c) political participation at work. Using these areas, we highlight the urgency for organizations and practitioners to pay attention and provide future research directions for work and organizational psychology scholars. This position paper aims to highlight initial work and organizational psychological research in the work–politics nexus and encourages work and organizational psychologists to direct more attention toward the intersection of work and the broader civic sphere.