Bureaucratic Silence and the Surplus Competent: Examining the Moderating Role of Intra-Governmental Social Comparison on the Voice of Overqualified Public Servants

Abstract

This study looks at how peer social comparison (PSC) negatively modifies the relationship between employee voice behavior (EMB) and perceived overqualification (POQ) in Punjab, Pakistan's housing department. Employee Voice behavior has garnered ample attention in organizational behavior. The study investigates the influence of peer social comparison on overqualified employees’ voice behavior in public sector. Regression analysis was used to test the suggested model after 300 employees' data was gathered from Houisng, Urban Development & Public Health Engineering department, Government of Punjab using convenience sampling using cross sectional data. The results show that employee voice behavior is positively impacted by perceived overqualification; however, peer social comparison negatively moderates this relationship. These findings underscore the possible negative influence of peer comparison on employee engagement and offer fresh perspectives on the psychological factors influencing employee behavior. The study adds to the body of knowledge already available on organizational behavior and provides useful advice for HR managers, especially with regard to controlling overqualification and creating a positive work atmosphere in the public sector.