The interplay between cultural and individual values in predicting employee voice in Vietnam

Purpose Employee’s voice is an important source of creativity and innovation. Employee voice is affected by micro, meso and macro contextual factors. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of Buddhism and Confucian work dynamism (CWD) on employees’ promotive voice (PmV) and prohibitive voice (PhV) behaviors. In addition, the moderating role of the personal value of self-direction on the links between cultural values and employee voice is investigated. Conservation of Resource theory was adopted to base the arguments. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research method was adopted. Data collected from 311 subordinate-supervisor dyads from 11 manufacturing foreign direct investment companies in Vietnam were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses. Findings Results indicate that cultural values influence both types of employee voice behaviors. In addition, the results about the moderating roles of self-direction values are mixed. Originality/value This research is among a few studies that investigate the impact of macro contextual factors on employee’s voice behaviors.