The effect of paternalistic leadership on employee voice: A research on employees in the food industry

The purpose of this study is to reveal the effect of paternalist leadership perception on employee voices in terms of employees in the food industry. For this purpose, data was collected from 123 participants working in the food sector in Manisa with a survey technique. The questionnaire form used in the research consists of two scales and questions prepared to determine the demographic structure of the sample. In the research, correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the sub-dimensions of paternalist leadership and employee voice, and hierarchical regression analysis was made for the effect of paternalist leadership perception on employee voice. Confirmatory factor analysis was preferred for the scales. As a result of the study, it was found that there was a positive correlation between the family environment at workplace, participation in non-business life, loyalty and obedience expectation and employee voice, which are three sub-dimensions of the paternalist leadership scale. In addition, it was observed that the sub-dimension, which has a positive effect on employee voice, is participation in non-business life. The research is thought to contribute to the literature in terms of revealing the effects of paternalist leadership style, which still has an important place in our culture, on employee voice. It is thought that the interest of the leader, which covers the private lives of the employees apart from the business life, will contribute to those who create a climate of voice in the organization by increasing the desire to share their opinions.