Interaction of job‐limiting pain and political skill on job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior

Purpose – Job‐limiting pain (JLP) is an increasingly relevant topic in organizations. However, research to date has failed to examine the stress‐inducing properties of pain and its effects on job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). To address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to examine the interactive relationship between JLP and political skill (PS) on job satisfaction (Studies 1 and 2) and OCB (Study 2). Design/methodology/approach – In the first study, data are gathered from 143 employees of a product distribution company in the Southeastern USA. In Study 2, the independent and dependent variables are collected two months apart (and matched) from 237 members of a state agency located in the Southeastern USA, who are participating in developmental exercises. Findings – PS is supported as a neutralizer of stress brought on by JLP. Job satisfaction and organizational citizenship scores decline as pain increases for those with low levels of PS. Increased JLP has little effect on satisfaction and citizenship for those with high levels of PS. Research limitations/implications – The data are collected exclusively via a survey; however, tests indicate that multicollinearity does not inflate results. Practical implications – The research has implications for individuals and managers. Managers can understand and account for the widespread effects of JLP. Individuals can activate PS to neutralize stress. Originality/value – This is the first study to examine the interaction between JLP and PS in the work environment. Gaps in several bodies of literature, including stress, organizational behavior, psychology, and the biopsychosocial approach, are addressed.