Examining the impact of Islamic work ethics on employee voice behavior: mediating effect of felt obligation for constructive change and moderating role of sanctification of work

AbstractThere has been an increase in ethical misconduct among employees of service organizations which has fostered the need for awareness about such ethical practices that may promote employees’ constructive behaviors. The current study aims to extend the work on Islamic work ethics by studying its impact on influencing employee voice behavior through the underlying link of employee felt obligation for constructive change. It is proposed that employee sanctification may further serve as a boundary condition and enhance the positive relationship between Islamic work ethics and felt obligation for constructive change. Data (n = 343) felt obligation for constructive change, and both dimensions of voice behavior were collected from employees working in the health sector of Pakistan in three-time lags through questionnaires. Results of the study supported the mediation of felt obligation for constructive change between Islamic work ethics and employee voice behavior. Employee sanctification moderates the relationship between Islamic work ethics and felt obligation for constructive change. The findings of the study provide theoretical and practical implications. Limitations of the research and future directions have also been discussed.