.../methodology/approach This study examines how abusive supervision spills over to third-party observers, shaping defensive silence and defensive voice through fear and explores whether proactive personality moderates these effects. Findings Observing coworkers' abuse heightened bystanders' fear, which...

..., the study found that silence has more pronounced negative effect on employee performance and positive impact on turnover intentions through mediation of job burnout. Practical implications The study helps managers identify the psychological ramifications of defensive silence and the underlying mechanism...

... to damage a relationship; defensive silence – similar to quiescent silence; diffident silence – silence resulting from self-doubt or a lack of self-confidence; ineffectual silence – similar to acquiescent silence, a feeling of resignation or an acceptance of one’s circumstances; and disengaged silence...