Comparing perspectives on organisational silence: an analysis of the Gosport inquiry

Abstract

PurposeThis paper examines different perspectives on the broad umbrella term of organisational silence. It identifies ten perspectives on organisational silence from the previous literature on inquiries into failings of British National Health Service providers. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis, it applies ten perspectives on organisational silence to the report of the inquiry into the Gosport Hospital.FindingsThere is some overlap between the perspectives in that they draw on the same authors, and stress similar issues. There is some evidence for most of the perspectives in the report, but some perspectives appear stronger than others. However, none of the perspectives seem to cover the full spectrum of behaviour and place differential emphasis on different processes. It is not clear whether all ten perspectives add independent analytical value. This suggests that some might be extended or combined with the umbrella term of organisational silence more fully opened.Originality/valueThis is the first study in healthcare to review perspectives on organisational silence and apply them to a case study.