ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship between social capital, perceived organizational politics and workplace crime. In addition, the study explored the mediating role of social capital on the relationship between perceived organizational politics and workplace crime. Using the crosssectional survey design, a total of one hundred and fifty employees from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority were conveniently sampled and tested. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Hierarchical Multiple Regression. The results showed that, social capital had a significant negative relationship with workplace crime. This implies that an increase in social capital causes a reduction in workplace crime. Perceived organizational politics was also found to have a significant positive relationship with workplace crime. However, when the demographic variables were controlled, perceived politics could not predict workplace crime. Social capital also fully mediated the relationship between perceived organizational politics and workplace crime. These findings were discussed within the framework of the social integration and social bonding theories as well as the integrative model of counterproductive work behaviour.