An investigation into factors relating to speaking up in the workplace : a thesis (90 credits) presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master's in Business Studies in Management at Massey University, Extramural, New Zealand
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Date
2017
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Massey University
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Abstract
This study investigates the factors that enable or prevent employees to speak up. Effective
employee communication is vital in early detection of problems. Employee silence is defined
as the deliberate withholding of information useful to the progress of an organization.
Empowered employees will take personal accountability and ownership of issues. In an
increasingly competitive market employee communication and reaction to change is vital for
the success or failure of an organization. Previous research has found that failure of
employees to speak up can have significant consequences, including decreased innovation
and productivity; unreported health and safety incidents; stress; depression; and lower
commitment and job satisfaction. This study (N = 240) has confirmed that employees may
not speak up out of fear of being labelled in a negative manner. Employees are more likely
to speak up when they feel it is safe and worthwhile. This study provides recommendations
for managers for enabling and encouraging employees. The present study has found trust in
supervisor, supervisor support and self-monitoring were found to be significant predictors of
speaking up.
Key words: Employee voice, employee silence, communication, management, speaking up
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Keywords
Communication in organizations, Communication in management, Employees, Psychology, Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Business and economics::Business studies, Employee voice, Employee silence, Speaking up