Does Voice Type Matter? An Examination of the Influence of Voice Behavior Over Leadership Competencies of SME Owner-Managers In Uganda

Abstract

This study contributes to current research on voice behaviour and leadership competencies by investigating the influence of follower voice behaviour over leadership competencies of owner-managers in Ugandan SMEs. It draws from Social Constructivism theory, Hirschman’s exit, voice and loyalty framework and Leader member exchange (LMX) theory to examine the role follower voice behaviour plays in sharpening the leadership competencies of SME owner-manager. Using a cross-sectional design, surveys were administered to 54 SME owner-managers from Mbale, Tororo and Busia districts. Regression analysis was used to test the study hypotheses. The results indicate that followers are more likely to have influence over leadership competencies of SME owner-managers when they practiced promotive voice behaviour than when they practiced prohibitive voice behaviour. The finding further revealed that LMX quality moderated the relationship between prohibitive voice behaviour and leadership competencies but did not do so for promotive voice behaviour. The findings have significant implications for organizations most especially SMEs that seek to encourage voice behavior and sharpen leadership competencies.