THE SPIRAL OF SILENCE AT WORK: EXAMINING THE FEAR OF SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG LGBTQ INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORKPLACE

Abstract

This qualitative, exploratory study investigated the fear of social isolation assumption that underpins Noelle-Neumann’s spiral of silence. Despite its significance to the theory, few scholars have critically examined the fear of social isolation. Amongst the extant body of literature, findings are inconsistent as well. To plug the research gap, this study sought to develop a more nuanced understanding of the fear of social isolation, based on the personal experiences of individuals. It also aimed to uncover the impact of the fear of social isolation on individuals’ opinion expression behaviours. As a means of contextualization, the study was situated in the workplace setting and was focused on the LGBTQ community. Primary data was gathered by conducting 16 in-depth, face-to-face interviews with self-identifying LGBTQ individuals employed at Singapore-based MNCs and SMEs. Findings revealed the fear of social isolation to be an incredibly complex feeling, which varies according to situational contexts and individuals’ personalities. It was additionally moderated by organizational culture. The nature of communication in the workplace, the degree of hierarchy present, and the implementation of corporate policies that promote diversity and inclusivity are examples of the organizational factors that contributed to moderating the fear of social isolation felt by LGBTQ individuals. The fear of social isolation was also found to affect individuals’ opinion expression behaviours to a limited degree. Under certain circumstances, the fear of social isolation was insufficient to motivate individuals to withhold expression of their minority opinion. Various forms of opinion expression were identified as well.