What question did this study set out to answer?

To identify implicit voice theories—taken-for-granted beliefs about the dangers of speaking up at work—and assess how strongly they predict employee self-censorship.

June 1, 2011Academy of Management Journal

Implicit Voice Theories: Taken-for-Granted Rules of Self-Censorship at Work

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Authors

JDJames R. DetertUniversity of Virginia AEAmy C. EdmondsonHEC Montréal

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Implication

Four-part empirical analysis uncovers pervasive implicit voice theories in corporate employees, indicating that unexamined beliefs drive workplace silence.

Key Points

To identify implicit voice theories—taken-for-granted beliefs about the dangers of speaking up at work—and assess how strongly they predict employee self-censorship.
Conducted qualitative interviews in a large corporation to identify implicit beliefs that suppress pro-organizational suggestions (Study 1).
Tested generalizability and developed psychometric survey scales across five implicit voice theories in organizational samples (Studies 2–4).
Assessed discriminant validity and evaluated incremental predictive validity of the measures against workplace silence outcomes (Studies 3 and 4).
Identified five distinct, widely shared implicit voice theories that consistently inhibit employees from voicing constructive, pro-organizational suggestions.
Established that survey measures for these five implicit theories possess discriminant validity and provide statistically significant incremental predictive validity for workplace silence.

Cite This Study

Detert et al. (2011) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69dab03e0f32475823a3d85e https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2011.61967925

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Implication

Four-part empirical analysis uncovers pervasive implicit voice theories in corporate employees, indicating that unexamined beliefs drive workplace silence.

Implicit Voice Theories: Taken-for-Granted Rules of Self-Censorship at Work

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Implicit Voice Theories: Taken-for-Granted Rules of Self-Censorship at Work

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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