The relationship between organizational dissent and organizational bullshit

Abstract

The current study explores the relationship between organizational bullshit (BS) and articulated dissent. Drawing on organizational communication theory and employee response frameworks, we argue that BS may shape communicative climates that influence employees’ willingness to express dissent upward. Using survey data from 424 full-time employees in the United States, we examine three dimensions of BS: the boss, disregard for the truth, and bullshit language. Results indicate that all three dimensions are negatively associated with articulated dissent. These findings suggest that communicative environments characterized by indifference toward truth reduce the perceived effectiveness of employee voice, thereby constraining dissent within organizations.