DefinePK

Research Objective

To examine the relationship between workplace ostracism and employee silence, with a focus on the mediating effect of psychological safety in private healthcare organizations in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methodology

Quantitative research method using primary data collected from employees of private hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. A random sampling technique was employed. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed, and 230 were returned, resulting in a 92% response rate. The study used a 5-point Likert scale. Measurement scales were adapted from previous studies: Workplace Ostracism (Ferris et al., 2008), Prosocial Silence (Dyne et al., 2003), Deviant Silence (Brinsfield, 2013), and Psychological Safety (Edmondson, 1999). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0, including frequency distribution, Cronbach's alpha for reliability, and regression analysis for relationships and mediation effects.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Quantitative Research Method"] --> B["Data Collection from Private Healthcare Employees in Lahore"];
    B --> C["Questionnaire Distribution"N=250""];
    C --> D["Data Collection N=230"];
    D --> E["Data Analysis using SPSS 20.0"];
    E --> F["Reliability Testing Cronbach's Alpha"];
    E --> G["Regression Analysis"];
    G --> H["Mediation Analysis"];
    H --> I["Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study highlights that psychological safety plays a crucial role in mediating the impact of employee silence (both prosocial and deviant) on workplace ostracism within private healthcare organizations. The findings suggest that while prosocial silence is associated with higher psychological safety and a negative impact on ostracism, deviant silence is linked to lower psychological safety and a positive impact on ostracism, indicating a detrimental cycle. The results align with the Conservation of Resources theory, suggesting that ostracism depletes resources, leading to negative outcomes like silence.

Key Findings

Psychological safety mediates the relationship between prosocial silence and deviant silence on workplace ostracism.
Prosocial silence has a significant positive effect on psychological safety.
Deviant silence has a significant negative effect on psychological safety.
Prosocial silence has a negative significant effect on workplace ostracism.
Deviant silence has a positive significant effect on workplace ostracism.
Psychological safety partially mediates the relationship between prosocial silence and workplace ostracism.
Psychological safety partially mediates the relationship between deviant silence and workplace ostracism.

Conclusion

Psychological safety is a key mediator in the relationship between workplace ostracism and employee silence. Deviant silence, in particular, is identified as a harmful behavior that negatively impacts psychological safety and contributes to workplace ostracism. The findings underscore the importance of fostering a psychologically safe environment to mitigate the negative effects of workplace ostracism and employee silence in the healthcare sector.

Fact Check

1. Sample Size: The study distributed 250 questionnaires and received 230 valid responses, achieving a 92% response rate.
2. Publication Date: The article is published in the Journal of Asian Development Studies, Vol. 12, Issue 3, dated September 2023.
3. Mediating Effect: The study found that psychological safety mediates the relationship between prosocial silence and deviant silence on workplace ostracism.

Mind Map