When Things Go Wrong at Work: An Exploration of Organizational Dissent Messages

Research on organizational dissent is important given the implications and potential repercussions for employees and employers. The present research conceptualized dissent in terms of employee voice and organizational influence. An instrument to measure the content of dissent messages was developed, and factor analyses indicated 11 types of dissent messages. Results further indicated that messages of Solution Presentation, Direct-Factual Appeal, Coalitions, and Inspiration were more frequently used to express dissent, while messages of Pressure and Exchange were less frequently employed. The results refine understandings of dissent messages, an important step in giving employees more effective options for voice in the workplace.