Business and Professional Communication Quarterly Dec 2024

The Silent Divide: Leader-Member Exchange, Communication Anxiety, and Age-Related Defensive Silence

Rebecca J. Greer University of Oklahoma ; Neil Talbert University of Oklahoma

Abstract

Modern workplace demographics are changing and so too are workplace relationships. This research explores the impact of poor leader relationships on voice behaviors—more specifically, defensive silence. Results indicate a negative relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and defensive silence, a positive relationship between communicative anxiety and defensive silence, and a negative relationship between communicative anxiety and LMX. Additionally, a significant interaction is found between age, years of supervisory experience, LMX, and defensive silence. Theoretical and practical implications for workplace relationships are discussed.

Journal
Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
Published
2024-12-16
DOI
10.1177/23294906241301354
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