Job insecurity and employees' safety voice behavior – a managerial dilemma caused by COVID-19

Abstract

PurposeThe world is witnessing enormous changes due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic. One of the unkind changes is the increased downsizing and layoffs, which has led to a situation of job insecurity. Moreover, due to the unavailability of a cure for the pandemic, the businesses have started their operations with added safety measures that demand a high level of employee safety behavior. But how job insecurity and safety voice may stay in one sheath is an area that requires attention. Hence, this study investigates the impact of job insecurity on employees' safety voice behavior in a COVID-19 outbreak, through serial mediation mechanisms of organizational support and trust.Design/methodology/approachData has been collected through a structured questionnaire from the sample (N = 213) of employees of service organizations.FindingsFindings of the study reveal that job insecurity is not directly linked with safety voice behavior, and therefore full mediation through perceived organizational support and trust is supported is proved.Originality/valueThis study covers the investigation of job insecurity, during pandemic COVID-19, and its effects on safety voice. It also explains the mechanism between the variables of interest through perceived organizational support and trust in the organization. The study is a timely contribution to the existing literature and offers both theoretical and managerial implications.