Document Type : Research Article (with quantitative approaches)

Author

• Fariborz Fathi Chegeni

Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Management and Economics, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mushroom management on employees' Workplace loneliness in the workplace with the mediating role of organizational cynicism in government organizations in Lorestan province. Mushroom management, as a management style characterized by secrecy, lack of transparency in decision-making, and restricted information flow within the organization, can have various effects on employees and organizational performance. This research focuses on the mediating role of organizational cynicism, defined as employees' negative attitudes toward the organization, its managers, and decisions, to explore how mushroom management influences workplace loneliness through this mediating variable.
Design/ methodology/ approach:  The present study is applied in terms of purpose and is classified as a descriptive causal research. The statistical population of the study was 1350 employees of the General Staff Offices of Lorestan province located in the city of Khorramabad, from whom a sample of 300 people was selected by stratified random method. Public organizations in Lorestan Province were selected as the context for this study due to their bureaucratic structure and inherent complexities, which make them prone to inefficient managerial behaviors such as mushroom management. To measure the research variables, the questionnaires of workplace loneliness by Wright et al (2006), Organizational cynicism by Dean et al (1998) and Mushroom management by Birincioğlu & Tekin (2018) were used. The reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha method. In this study, structural equation modeling was used to analyze the research data.
Research Findings: The research findings indicate that mushroom management has a positive and significant impact on workplace loneliness among employees. In other words, managerial behaviors such as secrecy and restricting information flow exacerbate employees' feelings of isolation and detachment in the workplace. Additionally, mushroom management has a positive and significant effect on organizational cynicism, suggesting that this management style is associated with increased distrust and negative attitudes among employees toward the organization. Organizational cynicism, in turn, has a positive and significant impact on workplace loneliness, indicating that employees' negative attitudes can intensify their sense of isolation. A key finding of this study is the confirmation of the mediating role of organizational cynicism in the relationship between mushroom management and workplace loneliness. Specifically, mushroom management indirectly influences workplace loneliness by increasing organizational cynicism. This finding highlights an important psychological mechanism wherein dysfunctional managerial behaviors first foster negative attitudes in employees, which subsequently lead to heightened feelings of loneliness.
Limitations & Consequences: This study, despite its contributions, faced certain limitations. First, the focus was on public organizations in Lorestan Province, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other organizations or regions due to the specific cultural, social, and organizational characteristics of this area. Second, the research only examined the variables of mushroom management, organizational cynicism, and workplace loneliness, while other potentially influential factors, such as organizational culture or social support, were not explored. Third, the data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, which may be subject to response biases. Regarding the theoretical implications, this study contributes to the organizational behavior literature by highlighting the mediating role of organizational cynicism in the relationship between mushroom management and workplace loneliness. These findings enhance the understanding of the psychological and organizational mechanisms that lead to employee isolation. Additionally, by focusing on public organizations in a specific region, the study offers a novel perspective to the management literature and sets the stage for future research on dysfunctional managerial behaviors.
Practical Consequences: From a practical perspective, the findings of this study have significant implications for managers in public organizations. Reducing mushroom management behaviors, such as secrecy and lack of transparency, can lead to decreased organizational cynicism and, consequently, reduced workplace loneliness. Organizations can design training programs for managers that emphasize the importance of transparency, open communication, and fostering trust in the workplace. Additionally, strengthening organizational communication through effective channels between managers and employees can help mitigate employees' feelings of isolation. Social support initiatives, such as collaborative work groups or team-building activities, can also be effective in reducing workplace loneliness.
Innovation or value of the Article: This study takes an innovative step toward understanding the effects of dysfunctional managerial behaviors on employees' psychological well-being by examining the relationship between mushroom management and workplace loneliness through the mediating role of organizational cynicism. Its focus on public organizations in Lorestan Province, an area underrepresented in prior studies, adds unique value to the research. Furthermore, the use of structural equation modeling for data analysis enhances the precision and scientific validity of the findings. The study not only enriches the management literature on dysfunctional organizational behaviors but also provides practical solutions for improving workplace environments and mitigating the negative effects of mushroom management. The results of this research can serve as a foundation for future studies exploring the impact of management styles on employees' psychological health and organizational productivity.
Paper Type: Original Paper
 

Keywords

• Organizational Cynicism
• Workplace Loneliness
• Government Organizations
• Mushroom Management