Sharing is ethicizing: Examining the impact of sharing observed unethical behavior with family members on ethical voice at work.

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Authors: Anjier Chen, Ke Michael Mai, Yamon Min Ye
Cited by: 0

Abstract

factors has been largely overlooked. Recognizing that employees often share workplace experiences with close others, such as their family members, we explore how the extent of sharing with family members influences employee responses to observed unethical behavior. Integrating the functional perspective of rumination and social sharing research, we theorize that the extent of sharing with family members increases observer reflective rumination about the unethical behavior and their tendency to engage in ethical voice at work. We found empirical evidence in two critical incident surveys (Studies 1 and 4), an experiment (Study 2), and a cross-lagged panel survey (Study 3). Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of this research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Fields of Study & Subjects

Ethics in Business and Education Job Satisfaction and Organizational Behavior Ethics in medical practice

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Applied Psychology
Volume
111
Issue
7
Pages
916–939
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN