The effect of direct and representative employee voice on job satisfaction in China: evidence from employer-employee matched data

Abstract

This study examines the influence of direct and representative employee voice as well as their interactive effect on job satisfaction in China. Using the unique cross-sectional survey data from 350 firms over 3,000 workers across different industries and regions in China, the key findings of this paper suggest that the direct employee voice has a positive impact on employees’ job satisfaction while the relationship between representative voice and job satisfaction is insignificant. In addition, the interaction effect between direct and representative voice on job satisfaction is negative implying the inhibiting effect between these two forms of employee voice which in turn lowers job satisfaction. This study provides some practical implications supporting the importance of employee voice, particularly the direct voice. In particular, management should support the channels allowing employees to meaningfully involve and exercise their voice as effective strategies for contributing to enhance organizational performance through a more satisfied workforce.