Conversing in the shadow of echoes – a scale development and validation of the dark side of organizational internal communication

Purpose This study aims to develop and validate the scales on the dark side of internal communication (IC) that capture a more nuanced perception of ineffectiveness, manipulation and miscommunication from the employee perspective. This study also examines this scale's effects on employee outcomes (such as employee loyalty and quiet quitting). Design/methodology/approach The authors developed the dark side of the IC scale through qualitative interviews and a review of relevant literature. Statistical techniques such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity and nomological validity were performed on the newly produced scales. The authors also examined the predictive validity effects of these scales on employee loyalty and quiet quitting using participants from Hungary. Findings The scale development resulted in a 15-item measuring three dimensions of the dark side of IC. After several statistical examinations, the scale exhibited robust psychometric properties and is reliable and valid. Originality/value This study empirically supported the new phenomenon of studying the dark side of IC, and the scale can be used to measure employee outcomes, the effectiveness of organizational communication, etc.