Are positive teams more proactive in performing voice behavior? Influence of core self-evaluations on collective voice

Abstract

Voice behavior is regarded as being an individual proactive behavior. We suggested that although team members who have a positive self-concept may display voice behavior consistently, the frequency of this behavior would be influenced by the composition of team members' positivity. Thus, we investigated the relationship between core self-evaluations and collective voice behavior in self-managed teams. Results from analysis of data obtained from 76 student teams (302 team members) who worked on 2 tasks demonstrated that their core self-evaluations had a positive effect on the likelihood of their performing voice behavior at both the individual and team levels. Moreover, interpersonal team processes fully mediated the relationship between the composition of team core self-evaluations and collective voice at the team level. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.