Publication Type

Magazine Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

10-2021

Abstract

Most managers understand that empowering employees to voice their opinions can help companies innovate and uncover their own shortcomings. However, this understanding does not seem to translate into action. Research shows that over 85% of employees remain silent on crucial matters because they worry about being viewed negatively. How can managers encourage employees to speak their minds at work? The authors’ new research identified a novel method to encourage employees to exercise their voice: creating a company culture that emphasizes the idea of choice. They found that employees were more likely to share their ideas and opinions at a company whose culture emphasized the idea that people always have a choice

Keywords

choice, employee voice, culture

Discipline

Organizational Behavior and Theory | Organization Development

Research Areas

Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources

Publication

Harvard Business Review

First Page

1

Last Page

6

ISSN

0017-8012

Publisher

Harvard Business Review

Additional URL

https://hbr.org/2021/10/research-what-makes-employees-feel-empowered-to-speak-up

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