Why do Supervisors Prefer the Voice Behavior of Certain Subordinates? The Effects of Guanxi, Loyalty, Competence and Trust

Abstract

Abstract: Employee voice behavior is the source of continuous improvement and innovation of the organization, and voice endorsement is the key to turning it from possibility to reality. This study is designed to examine the influence of guanxi, loyalty, and competence on voice endorsement, and the mediating role of affect- and cognition-based trust. The research based on the sample of 260 dyads of employees-immediate supervisors shows that guanxi, loyalty and competence have a positive effect on voice endorsement. Affect-based trust mediates the relationships between guanxi, loyalty and voice endorsement, whereas cognition-based trust mediates the influence of loyalty and competence on voice endorsement. Finally, the theoretical contributions, empirical implications and future directions are discussed.

Key words: voice endorsement, guanxi, loyalty, competence, trust

Zhou Hao. Why do Supervisors Prefer the Voice Behavior of Certain Subordinates? The Effects of Guanxi, Loyalty, Competence and Trust[J]. Management Review, 2021, 33(9): 187-197.

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