“Quiet Quitting” at Work Driven by Poor Internal Communication

A new study reveals the negative impact of inadequate organizational internal communication on employee loyalty and quiet quitting intentions in Hungarian enterprises.

Conducted by Corvinus University researchers and their international colleagues, the study developed an innovative scale to measure the effects of negative internal communication in the workplace.

The survey, led by Prof. Amitabh Anand of Excelia Business School and Corvinus University, along with experts from HSE University Moscow, Corvinus University, and the University of Alcala, examined employee perspectives on ineffective, manipulative, and misleading communication within organizations.

Researchers created a 15-item scientific scale, validated through interviews with practitioners and researchers and a survey of Hungarian employees. This scale identifies varying levels of inadequate communication, from poorly conveyed organizational values to extreme frustration caused by misleading communication.

Quiet quitting refers to employees doing the bare minimum required by their job descriptions without going above and beyond, often as a response to dissatisfaction or disengagement.

The study found that inadequate internal communication significantly contributes to this phenomenon, which has become more prevalent post-pandemic. Employees experiencing poor communication are more likely to feel disengaged, undermined, or unhappy, which can lead to quiet quitting.

The study highlights the profound effects of inadequate communication on employee well-being and organizational performance. Misconceptions and disengagement arise from poor communication, manipulative communication erodes trust, and miscommunication can lead to conflict and dissatisfaction among employees. These negative outcomes harm both employee morale and the firm’s productivity.

Given Hungary’s cultural emphasis on direct and clear communication, this study is particularly relevant for Hungarian organizations.

By using this new scientific tool, companies can better understand and address communication challenges, ultimately improving employee engagement and productivity. The study underscores the importance of effective internal communication in maintaining a positive work environment and boosting overall organizational performance.

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