Researchers studied how managers describe problems and whether employees speak up with suggestions. The team, which included a Virginia Tech researcher, used three studies to compare different ways to present issues.
Across these studies, employees were more likely to give suggestions when problems were framed as what the group could lose, rather than what the group could gain. The research shows that describing problems as possible collective losses increases employee willingness to speak to supervisors. The authors suggest managers try that framing to encourage more suggestions and better team safety and performance.
Difficult words
- manager — person who directs a team or workmanagers
- frame — present information in a particular wayframed, framing
- collective — shared by a whole group
- loss — something that is lost or taken awaylosses
- willingness — readiness to try or do something
- supervisor — person who watches and guides workerssupervisors
- encourage — make someone more likely to do
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever spoken up with a suggestion at work or school? What happened?
- Would you be more likely to speak up if a problem was described as a loss? Why or why not?
- What could a manager say to encourage more suggestions from a team?
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