Psychological safety, meaningfulness and empowerment as predictors of employee well-being: a mediating role of promotive voice

Abstract

Purpose

The core aim of this study is to explore how psychological safety, psychological meaningfulness and psychological empowerment predict psychological well-being in a mediating role of promotive voice.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey is employed to collect data from 456 front-line employees (FLEs) working in the banking sector of Pakistan. The collected data were analyzed utilizing the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The relationship between psychological safety and empowerment is significant. The results support the direct and mediating role of promotive voice to predict psychological well-being among frontliners. Interestingly, the mediation of promotive voice to predict the relationship between psychological meaningfulness and psychological well-being is not supported.

Practical implications

The managers should delegate authority to FLEs working at the front end. Moreover, voicing should be a delightful experience for employees. The management should listen to them carefully and also update the staff about the outcomes of suggestions rendered by them. Finally, rewarding employees can encourage promotive voicing among FLEs.

Originality/value

The psychological safety as an antecedent to promotive voice, promotive voice as a predictor of psychological well-being and the collectivist country context of Pakistan are unique products of this study.

Citation

Hasan, F. and Kashif, M. (2021), "Psychological safety, meaningfulness and empowerment as predictors of employee well-being: a mediating role of promotive voice", Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 40-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/APJBA-11-2019-0236