The hidden toll of unfair workplaces: examining the mediating role of workplace loneliness

Purpose This study aims to investigate how perceived organizational justice affect workplace dynamics, focusing on their cascading effects on workplace loneliness, knowledge hiding and psychological well-being. Drawing on cognitive appraisal theory, this study proposes that perceived organizational justice can trigger negative emotional responses such as loneliness, which in turn may exacerbate defensive behaviors like knowledge hiding and reduce psychological well-being. Design/methodology/approach This study used a two-wave, time-lagged design, which yielded a sample size of 216 full-time employees. The final data was analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. Findings The results revealed a negative association between perceptions of organizational justice and workplace loneliness. Workplace loneliness was positively related to knowledge hiding and negatively related to psychological well-being. The analysis of indirect effects indicated that perceptions of organizational justice negatively affect knowledge hiding through workplace loneliness, while its relationship with psychological well-being was positive. Originality/value By advancing an understanding of the social and emotional mechanisms underlying justice perceptions, this study contributes to the organizational justice literature and provides actionable insights for fostering fair, inclusive and supportive workplaces to mitigate knowledge hiding and enhance employee well-being.