From Signal to Noise: The Curvilinear Effects of Leader Downward Feedback-Seeking on Subordinate Constructive Voice

Abstract

Constructive voice is critical for organizational effectiveness, yet systematic research on whether and how leaders’ specific communication behaviors consistently motivate subordinates to provide constructive input remains scarce. Drawing on signaling theory, this study examines how leaders’ downward feedback-seeking influences subordinates’ constructive voice via perceived voice impact and investigates the moderating role of symmetrical internal communication. Using multi-wave, multi-source data from China, we find that downward feedback-seeking exhibits a curvilinear relationship with perceived voice impact, which subsequently enhances subordinates’ constructive voice, producing a curvilinear indirect effect. High levels of symmetrical internal communication dampen the adverse effects of excessive feedback-seeking and can even transform this nonlinear relationship into a positive linear one. These findings reveal a dynamic, nonlinear mechanism linking leader communication to subordinate constructive voice and underscore the pivotal role of organizational communication in shaping how subordinates interpret and respond to leadership signals.

Keywords

constructive voice downward feedback-seeking voice impact symmetrical internal communication signaling theory

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