JOURNAL ARTICLE

Why Employees Stay Silent When They See Warning Signs of a Problem.

  • Published In: Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2025. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Business Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Park, Hyunsun; Tangirala, Subra 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the challenges organizations face in addressing ambiguous threats, which are complex, unpredictable, and unprecedented, leading to employee silence when warning signs arise. Research indicates that employees are less likely to speak up about ambiguous threats due to cognitive overload and a reliance on leadership for decision-making. To combat this issue, the article suggests that organizations foster a culture of vigilance, train employees to recognize threats, and encourage them to challenge leadership when necessary. By promoting proactive engagement at all levels, companies can better navigate uncertainty and transform potential risks into competitive advantages. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Harvard Business Review Digital Articles. 2025/04, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Business and Management
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:186276451
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