Vnímaná kvalita prostředí zpětné vazby na mlčení zaměstnanců a gossip

This bachelor’s thesis examines the relationship between the perceived quality of the feedback environment, defensive silence among employees, and negative gossip about supervisors. The aim of the thesis is to determine how the feedback environment is related to these communication phenomena and whether psychological safety moderates these relationships. The theoretical section defines the feedback environment, defensive silence, negative gossip, and psychological safety. The empirical section is based on a quantitative case study of the South Bohemian branches of the Kooperativa insurance company. Data were collected via a questionnaire survey using the CAWI method, with the final sample consisting of 81 respondents. The results showed that a feedback environment perceived as higher quality is statistically significantly associated with lower levels of both defensive silence and negative gossip about supervisors. The moderating effect of psychological safety was not demonstrated; however, psychological safety itself was significantly associated with lower levels of both phenomena under study. This study offers recommendations for managerial practice in the areas of improving feedback, promoting psychological safety, and preventing covert forms of communication within the organization.