The hierarchy of voice framework: The dynamic relationship between employee voice and social hierarchy

Abstract

Speaking up is critical for organizational and individual success. Yet, while some employees speak up, others hesitate to voice their concerns and needs. Why? We propose the answer is found in a single word: Hierarchy. In the current article, we review the employee voice literature and the role that the power and status of both the voicer and the voice target play in the decision to speak up, as well as the communication, appraisals, attributions, and reactions to that voice. Identifying the vital role hierarchy plays in the voice process, including the desire to ascend a hierarchy, led us to offer a new, broader definition of voice that acknowledges both prosocial and self-interested motivations. We define employee voice as any voluntary, internal, and upward communication intended to achieve one or several goals related to a person’s work, position, or needs within their organization; the work, position, or needs of other organizational stakeholders; and/or the functioning of their organization. To synthesize past findings and offer a generative theoretical lens, we introduce the Hierarchy of Voice framework. This framework extends prior perspectives by offering a dyadic approach that incorporates the perspective of the voice target. In doing so, our framework also captures the dynamic relationship between voice and hierarchy, where voice can reinforce or alter the standing of the voicer and the target. We use the Hierarchy of Voice framework to offer avenues for future research that can deepen our understanding of the dynamic role that hierarchy plays in employee voice.