Employee Silence and Silence Antecedents: A Theoretical Classification. (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chou, Shih Yung; Chang, Tree
• Is Part Of: International journal of business communication. Volume 57:Number 3(2020:Jul.)
• Page Start: 401
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: employee silence -- unsolicited predetermined employee silence -- unsolicited issue-based employee silence -- solicited target-based employee silence -- employee silence antecedents; Business communication -- Periodicals; 658.45
• DOI: 10.1177/2329488417703301
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-4884

Abstract

Given the pervasiveness of employee silence, this article explores different forms of employee silence and silence antecedents. In particular, this article classifies employee silence using two dimensions: the target's solicitation and the employee's decision basis of conscious silence desirability. Drawing on relevant literature, it is proposed that employee silence can be classified into three distinct forms: unsolicited predetermined employee silence, unsolicited issue-based employee silence, and solicited target-based employee silence. When considering antecedents of employee silence, we claim that unsolicited predetermined employee silence is an outcome of personality traits, that unsolicited issue-based employee silence is triggered by functional motives, and that solicited target-based employee silence is determined by social relationships and relational experiences. By investigating forms of employee silence, this article provides important implications for theory and managerial practice.