Promotive and Prohibitive Voice (Liang, Farh & Farh)
HR & WorkReliability: Promotive alpha 0.86; Prohibitive alpha 0.852 sample items
About this scale
A 10-item measure with two 5-item subscales: promotive voice (constructive suggestions for change) and prohibitive voice (warnings about harmful practices). Captures the dual nature of speaking up at work.
Sample item(s)
“Proactively develop and make suggestions for issues that may influence the unit. (promotive)”
“Advise colleagues against undesirable behaviours that would hamper job performance. (prohibitive)”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: Promotive alpha 0.86; Prohibitive alpha 0.85. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Use both promotive and prohibitive subscales; the two have different antecedents and consequences.
Source & citation
Liang, J., Farh, C. I. C., & Farh, J.-L. (2012): Psychological antecedents of promotive and prohibitive voice: A two-wave examination. Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 55, No. 1, pp. 71–92.
Liang, Farh & Farh (2012): Promotive and prohibitive voice. AMJ, 55(1), 71–92.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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