Speaking Up: A Conceptual Model Of Voice Responses Following The Unfair Treatment Of Others In Non-Union Settings

Bridging the literature of procedural justice, social identification, and voice, we present a conceptual model of observers' voice responses to injustices perpetrated on coworkers. Based on social identity theory, we contend that similarity to the target of injustice influences observer identification with the target, as moderated by the observer's scope of justice, which then influences the observer's perceptions of injustice and decision to express voice. Additionally, we posit that the link between observers' perceptions of injustice and expressed voice is moderated by the observer's perceived opportunity to express voice. Finally, we propose that the decision to express voice individually or collectively depends on the justice climate along with the costs and benefits associated with each option. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.