The relative importance of the three mechanisms. Ajzen (1991) stated that the
relative importance of the three components in the TPB is expected to vary across
behaviors and situations. In the context of voice behavior, promotive voice refers to
an employee’s extra efforts when s/he helps the management to solve problems and
contributes to constructive solutions to improve the organization. Such efforts are
likely to be appreciated by the management. But the generation of constructive
ideas/solutions is not easy. It requires continuous devotion and commitment to
organizational affairs. Therefore, the generation of constructive suggestion needs
incentives from the organization to the focal employee. Constructive suggestion is
much more driven by her/his perceived obligation to the organization than safety
perception and positive self-regard. However, prohibitive voice refers to public
opposition to current ideas, behaviors, procedures, or even company polices. The
focal employee is likely to be perceived as challenging the authority and labeled as a
“deviant”. It is relatively risky because it involves potentially offending those with
more power as well as fellow colleagues. More personal risk is involved when
individuals speak up with concerns rather than constructive suggestions.
Correspondingly, employees would be much more sensitive to safety perception
when they speak up with concerns as opposed to suggestions. Therefore, considering
the differential implication of the two forms of voice behavior, I have developed the
following hypothesis: