Document Type : Survey

Authors

• Farhad Sharifi ¹
• Karam Khalili ²
• Adel Salavati ³
• Saman Sheikh Esmaeili ⁴

¹ Department of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Sanandaj, Iran. Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, Ilam, Iran

³ Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran,

⁴ Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj Branch, Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to design a model for identifying silent protests in governmental organizations, specifically at Ilam University of Medical Sciences.
Methods: This applied research utilized a mixed-methods approach (qualitative-quantitative). In the qualitative phase, the meta-synthesis method was employed, systematically reviewing 41 articles to extract 19 indicators for identifying silent protests. In the quantitative phase, the combined ISM-DEMATEL method was used, and data were collected from 16 experts via a questionnaire to design the final model and determine the relationships and hierarchy among the indicators.
Results: The meta-synthesis resulted in 19 key indicators. The DEMATEL analysis structured these indicators into a four-level model. The findings revealed that "Listening to Employee Voice" (C14) is the most influential and foundational indicator, positioned at the base of the model. This indicator directly affects upper levels, which encompass relational factors (e.g., healthy work interactions, charismatic leadership, human relations development) and behavioral manifestations (e.g., organizational commitment, employee satisfaction, fake participation, organizational loneliness).
Conclusion: The study presents a hierarchical model that clarifies the causal relationships among factors leading to silent protests. It identifies "Listening to Employee Voice" as the cornerstone for early detection and effective management of such protests. The model provides a practical framework for managers in governmental organizations to proactively address silent protests by focusing on fundamental managerial practices and monitoring key behavioral symptoms.

Keywords

• Silent Protests
• Organizational Silence
• Employee Voice Listening
• DEMATEL Method
• Ilam University of Medical Sciences

Main Subjects

• Modeling