Ch 10.2 Flashcards
What is employee voice in an organization?
Employee voice is the constructive expression of disagreement or concern about work practices, where employees speak up to suggest improvements or raise issues.
What is silence in the context of communication?
Silence is the act of withholding relevant information, especially when employees choose not to speak up due to fear or self-censorship.
What is the mum effect?
The mum effect is the tendency to avoid communicating bad news or unfavorable information, especially when it might provoke negative reactions.
How does psychological safety affect voice in the workplace?
Psychological safety, or the belief that it’s safe to take social risks, helps create an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up and expressing concerns without fear of negative consequences.
What factors encourage employees to exercise their voice?
Factors include job satisfaction, strong identification with the organization, conscientiousness, extraversion, and support from supervisors and managers for dissent.
What are some reasons why employees might choose silence over speaking up?
Reasons include fear of attacking the boss’s ideas, lack of solid data, concerns about embarrassing the boss, and wanting to avoid looking like a bad team player.
How does the mum effect affect communication between managers and employees?
Managers might withhold bad news or avoid conveying unfavorable information to employees to avoid negative reactions or protect their own image.
Can the mum effect occur between managers and subordinates?
Yes, managers might avoid communicating bad news to subordinates, such as negative performance reviews, due to their own reluctance to share unfavorable information.
