A dual-mediation model linking relationship conflict to employee well-being via workplace incivility and emotional exhaustion, moderated by political skill

Purpose This study aims to examine the association between relationship conflict (RC) and employee well-being (EW) and understand the mechanisms linking both. In this attempt, the study examines workplace incivility (WI) as an interpersonal mechanism and emotional exhaustion (EE) as an intrapersonal mechanism, along with political skill as a potential moderator. Design/methodology/approach To test the study’s hypotheses, we collected data from employees working in various domains (e.g. manufacturing, services, etc.) using a Web-based survey. Later, structural equation modelling was employed to test the study’s hypotheses. Findings The study confirmed that RC impairs well-being through WI and EE. In this, employees’ political skill mitigates/conditions the positive effect of RC on WI and EE. Practical implications The study findings direct the managers to understand how to reduce RC among the employees and provide interventions to manage RC to mitigate its deleterious effects. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, limited studies addressed the intrapersonal and interpersonal mechanisms linking RC and EW. The study also adds value to the extant literature by establishing the role of political skill in the model.