ItemArticle

The role of social antecedents in enhancing psychological safety for women in software development organisations: a mixed-methods investigation

Title
The role of social antecedents in enhancing psychological safety for women in software development organisations: a mixed-methods investigation
Creator
Mutsuddi, Indranil; Mohanachandran, Dileep Kumar; Sharma, Vinod; Poulose, Jeanne; Mahajan, Yogesh
Description
Purpose: This paper aims to study the social influences on psychological safety among women employed in software development organisations in India. By integrating conceptual and practical perspectives, the research aims to provide insights into developing inclusive workplace environments for women. Design/methodology/approach: A sequential mixed-methods approach was used. In the first phase, qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 senior women managers to explore enablers of psychological safety and identify key antecedents, including supervisor support, coworker support, trust and social embedding. In the second phase, a quantitative survey using a five-point Likert scale was distributed to 300 women in operational roles, yielding 250 valid responses for statistical analysis. Findings: The results indicate that social embedding mediates the impact of trust and supervisor support on psychological safety. Furthermore, trust moderates the relationship between supervisor support and social embedding. Both coworker and supervisor support influence trust, which enhances psychological safety, underscoring the significance of social relationships in shaping workplace experiences. Practical implications: The paper provides valuable insights for firms seeking to develop HR policies and leadership practices that promote psychological safety for women. By emphasising the role of social embedding and trust, companies can create inclusive and supportive environments that enhance job engagement, retention and overall well-being. Originality/value: This research is a pioneering effort to explore the role of social antecedents in psychological safety among women in an emerging economy, contributing to the wider discourse on gender, workplace culture and organisational behaviour. 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Source
International Journal of Organizational Analysis;
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Subject
Co-worker support; Psychological safety; Social antecedents; Social support; Supervisor support; Trust
Coverage
Mutsuddi I., JIS University Kolkata, Kolkata, India; Mohanachandran D.K., Hensard University, Toru-Orua, Nigeria; Sharma V., Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India; Poulose J., School of Business and Management, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India; Mahajan Y., Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 19348835;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Mutsuddi, Indranil; Mohanachandran, Dileep Kumar; Sharma, Vinod; Poulose, Jeanne; Mahajan, Yogesh, “The role of social antecedents in enhancing psychological safety for women in software development organisations: a mixed-methods investigation,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 17, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22875.

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