Behavioral Sciences (Apr 2024)

Veiled to Express: Uncovering the Effect of Mask-Wearing on Voice Behavior in the Workplace

  • Ziyan Cui,
  • Yangjie Liu,
  • Xiaoxiao Sun,
  • Zhe Shang,
  • Minya Xu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040309
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 4
p. 309

Abstract

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Since the outbreak of COVID-19, mask-wearing has become a widespread phenomenon. Even after the pandemic, people continue to maintain the habit of wearing masks in their daily lives. While existing research has explored how mask-wearing can influence wearers’ behavior in everyday life, its effects in the workplace have received less attention. Drawing on self-perception theory, this study examined the positive effect of mask-wearing in the workplace on wearers’ voice behavior via psychological safety. An online experiment (N = 291) using a within-subject manipulation of wearing masks supported our hypotheses. This study uncovered the positive psychological and behavioral consequences of mask-wearing beyond its benefits in people’s health conditions and everyday life.

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