Takhöjd… lägre än golvet? : - Kritikutrymme på arbetsplatsen

Sammanfattning: In a workplace, fostering a culture of transparency, openness, and conflict resolution can create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing criticism. The purpose of this study is to investigate how employees at a governmental organization perceive the space to voice criticism internally within the workplace. For example, previous research shows that depending on the nature of the criticism employees will consider the pros and cons before presenting it. Previous research also shows that when employees perceive that their voice is limited, they may respond by remaining silent despite management asking for open discussions. To answer the purpose of this study, a qualitative interview study has been carried out consisting of interviews with six state-employed individuals at a Swedish authority. The interviews have been recorded, transcribed and the generated data has been the basis for a thematic analysis. The empirical work has been analyzed based on Habermas theory of communicative action. The study's results show, among other things, that employees who perceive that the manager listens actively, and prioritizes what the employee wants to express, experience a positive space for criticism. Furthermore, the study shows that employees are less inclined to express criticism again if the manager has diminished previously expressed criticism, and that this nurtures the perception of a limited space for criticism. Additionally, the findings show employees perceive they can influence the reception of their criticism by considering how it is expressed. Employees seem to feel that it is more important for them to be listened to, than that the expressed criticism leads to an actual change.