Employee silence and employee voice as distinct constructs: a systematic literature review

Abstract

A debate among researchers that employee voice and employee silence are distinct constructs is going on for two decades. Furthermore, since 2021 studies are challenging, claimed, and demonstrated through empirical research that voice and silence are independent constructs. In addition, the idea of strategic silence was also presented in the year 2022, supporting this narrative. Hence the main aim of the current study is to provide a holistic picture of all those studies published in the last two decades (2003–2023) claiming voice and silence as unique concepts. For this purpose, the systematic literature review has been developed to know broadly used methodologies, theories, and concepts used in these studies. Furthermore, research gaps have been highlighted where future research is needed. Data were collected through two research databases, Scopus and Web of Science. This paper has expanded the literature in organizing the factual and theoretical knowledge through a systematic literature review for the first time. Thus, it will provide a roadmap for future researchers, human resource practitioners, and managers to understand the concept of voice and silence being unitary constructs and will open future avenues to work on in this sphere.