We investigate whether leader political skill (LPS) increases employees’ perceptions of ethical leadership, even among leaders who acknowledge engaging in deviant behaviors. Study 1 indicated a positive relationship between LPS and ethical leadership perceptions, resulting in improved commitment and reduced stress levels among employees. Study 2 indicated that politically skilled leaders who engaged in deviant behaviors were perceived to be more ethical than deviant leaders with low political skill. Study 2 also suggested that LPS was negatively associated with employee deviance. These results suggest that political skill promotes ethical employee behaviors and other beneficial outcomes but might also help leaders disguise deviant intentions.
