The instrumental role of employee voice in achieving promotability: social influence perspective
ISSN: 0048-3486
Article publication date: 28 February 2022
Issue publication date: 2 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing upon social influence theory, this study examines employee voice as one potential form of social influence that enables employees to receive positive performance evaluations from their supervisors, further increasing their chances of being promoted to a higher positional level. Importantly, organizational politics as experienced by employees is an important boundary condition that may affect the success of voice in achieving promotability.
Design/methodology/approach
This study obtained data from 218 independent matched subordinate-supervisor dyads from a manufacturing company in Japan. This study utilized the PROCESS macro developed by Hayes (2013) to test moderated mediation hypotheses.
Findings
Employee voice positively predicts employee promotability through supervisors' evaluations of employee task performance, and organizational politics operates as a boundary condition at both the first and second stages of moderation.
Practical implications
By speaking up at work, employees may instill an impression as a highly performing and competent individual in the eyes of their supervisors, thereby increasing their chances of being promoted within their organization. However, it is important to carefully consider the degree of workplace politics before expressing one's voice. For organizations, it is important to ensure that the policies and procedures used to demine promotion decisions are objective.
Originality/value
This study departs from the traditional perspective that voice is primarily used for prosocial reasons by suggesting that voice can also be used for the purpose of promoting personal career objectives.
Keywords
Citation
Sibunruang, H. and Kawai, N. (2023), "The instrumental role of employee voice in achieving promotability: social influence perspective", Personnel Review, Vol. 52 No. 3, pp. 687-702. https://doi.org/10.1108/PR-05-2020-0332
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited