The effect of communication and information sharing onemployee voice: The case of hospital employees

The complex structure of healthcare services makes effective communication and information sharing mandatory in hospitals. In this context, communication and information sharing are critical for the healthy execution of medical and administrative processes. In hospitals where different professional groups work together, communication is not only a necessary element for interpersonal relations but also a tool that ensures the functioning of medical services. In organizations with strong communication and information sharing, employees are more likely to voice their opinions, suggestions and experiences. Therefore, employee voices emerge because of the desire to contribute to the hospital. Employees whose discourses are considered with employee voice are motivated, feel that they and their ideas are valuable, and ultimately their sense of belonging may increase. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between communication and information sharing levels of 413 health care workers in Afyonkarahisar State Hospital and their vocalization behaviors. "Communication and Sharing of Information Scale." and 'Employee Voice Scale' were used in the study. Within the scope of the research, t-test and ANOVA analysis were used to determine statistically significant differences between demographic variables and scale and subscale dimension averages. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the effect of communication and information sharing on employee voice behavior. According to the results of the study, when the communication and information sharing scale and sub-dimension scores were evaluated separately, a significant difference was determined according to the variables of gender, age, unit of employment, professional experience, and years of employment. Employee voice score showed a statistically significant difference according to marital status and educational status variables. Positive correlation results were obtained between communication and information sharing scale and its sub-dimensions and employee voice. In addition, it was concluded that communication and information sharing and all its sub-dimensions had significant effects on employee voice. As a result, it is recommended that hospitals that attach importance to employee voice should improve communication and information sharing.