Antecedents and Outcomes of Voice and Silence Behaviours of Employees of Tertiary Educational Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

In collectivist cultures with a high degree of the Power Distance Index (PDI), an expression of voice by employees in the form of opinions and suggestions on work related issues are a task as difficult as doing away with the turban of a Tuareng man. Silence is prevalent as employees feel culturally bonded not to take up issues with what is now popularly referred to as “Oga at the top” in the Nigerian context. This study investigates through the use of interview, why middle cadre administrative employees in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions feel reluctant to voice opinions and suggestions on work related issues to the person(s) above them in organisation hierarchy. This study uses cultural dimensions to explore the antecedents and outcomes of voice and silence behaviours of middle cadre administrative employees in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions. 26 employees selected across tertiary institutions from the North-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria were interviewed. The finding reveals that the cultural values of absolute loyalty and respect for the superior is the chief reason followed by fear of negative label, being marked rebellious or antagonist as well as inability to rise to top positions. Employees believe this will continue for a reasonably long time, because culture more than any other thing influence employee voice on work related issues.