# How Linguistic Exclusion Affects Employee Behavior The destructive effects of linguistic ostracism in multilingual workplaces were investigated. - **Source:** [Human Resource Management](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17488583) - **Published:** 2026-08-30 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/26a3762a-9b8d-488d-9df5-d2c8d8813d2c ## What is Linguistic Ostracism? Linguistic ostracism occurs when employees feel excluded in workplaces where a language other than their native tongue is dominant. This situation weakens employees' attachment to the organization and reduces their sense of psychological ownership. Research shows that linguistic ostracism lowers employee motivation and negatively impacts job performance. This issue is particularly prevalent in multilingual teams. ## Loss of Psychological Ownership Linguistic ostracism weakens employees' psychological bonds with the organization. This leads to employees not feeling like a part of the organization. The loss of psychological ownership reduces employees' commitment to their work and can lead to destructive behaviors. Studies emphasize that psychological ownership is critical for employee productivity. ## Destructive Voice Behavior Linguistic ostracism causes employees to engage in destructive voice behavior. This behavior manifests as negative criticisms towards the organization and creating unrest in the workplace. Destructive voice behavior disrupts team dynamics and reduces organizational efficiency. Research indicates that this behavior is a result of linguistic ostracism. ## High-Involvement Work Practices High-involvement work practices (HIWPs) can mitigate the negative effects of linguistic ostracism. These practices make employees feel valued and included. HIWPs strengthen employees' psychological ownership by increasing their influence within the organization. Studies show that HIWPs are particularly effective in multilingual workplaces. ## Research Findings Two separate studies confirmed that linguistic ostracism increases destructive voice behavior. The first study was a vignette experiment with 301 employees, showing that linguistic ostracism triggers destructive behaviors. The second study involved 241 employee-supervisor dyads and revealed the mediating role of psychological ownership. Findings demonstrated that HIWPs reduce negative effects. ## Management in Multilingual Workplaces In multilingual workplaces, managers should take proactive steps to prevent linguistic ostracism. This includes ensuring employees can express themselves in all languages. Managers can strengthen employees' sense of belonging by adopting practices like HIWPs. Research highlights that inclusive language policies are critical for organizational success. ## Organizational Strategies Organizations can develop various strategies to reduce linguistic ostracism. These include multilingual training programs, inclusive communication policies, and diversity training. These strategies help employees feel included and enhance psychological ownership. Research shows that such practices improve organizational efficiency in the long term. ## Conclusion and Recommendations Linguistic ostracism is a serious issue in multilingual workplaces and negatively affects employee behavior. Loss of psychological ownership and destructive voice behavior are the most significant consequences. High-involvement work practices can mitigate these negative effects. Organizations can address this issue through inclusive language policies and diversity programs. This will increase employee commitment and productivity. ## Sources covering this story - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1748-8583.70067?af=R — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._