Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct an integrative analysis of literature for the concept of political skill and relevance to nursing.
BACKGROUND: Political skill has been extensively studied in organizational psychology for several decades but limited in the nursing literature.
METHODS: Inclusion criteria were literature reviews, primary qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies written in English between 2000 and 2014, with 147 articles being identified.
RESULTS: Of 147 articles, 38 met criteria by defining political skill as the ability to effectively understand others at work and to use such knowledge to influence others to act in ways that enhance personal and/or organizational goals.
CONCLUSIONS: Political skill influences leadership and an individual's ability to navigate organizational politics, performance evaluation, interpersonal skills, networking ability, stress level, and social capital in the work environment.