Linking organizational cynicism to prosocial voice and defensive silence through the mediating role of bullying at work
International Journal of Organizational Analysis
ISSN: 1934-8835
Article publication date: 9 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of organizational cynicism on prosocial voice and defensive silence and to verify the mediating role of workplace bullying in these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 205 individuals was used in this study.
Findings
The hypotheses were confirmed as organizational cynicism plays a significant and negative influence on prosocial voice and a significant and positive influence on defensive silence. In addition, workplace bullying partially mediates both relationships.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a deeper understanding of organizational cynicism and workplace bullying influences on prosocial voice and defensive silence. It investigates a relationship that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, has not been studied yet. It also contributes to the discussion regarding the close relationship between prosocial voice and defensive silence.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the valuable comments received from reviewers and from the reviewer board of the journal. The authors also acknowledge the contribution of the participants who answered the survey.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflict of interest statement: The authors report no conflicts of interest.
Data accessibility: Data is available by request.
Citation
Sabino, A., Gonçalves, S.P. and Cesário, F. (2024), "Linking organizational cynicism to prosocial voice and defensive silence through the mediating role of bullying at work", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-12-2023-4119
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited