Solidarity in action at a time of crisis: the role of employee voice in relation to communication and horizontal solidarity behaviour

Solidarity behaviour among employees is important in building a sense of community in organisations, particularly within a crisis context where adverse working conditions prevail. However, we have limited knowledge concerning how solidarity behaviour develops. Using the lens of social exchange theory, this study examines how top-down communication and employee voice relate to horizontal (employee to employee) solidarity behaviour. We conducted two comprehensive studies during the Greek economic crisis and found that the relationship between top-down employee communication and horizontal solidarity behaviour is mediated by employee voice. The paper extends our existing knowledge in the fields of management and HRM by advancing our understanding of horizontal solidarity behaviour, highlighting the role of top-down employee communication as an effective HR practice, and delineating the role of employee voice in fostering workplace camaraderie in SMEs under crisis.