The Sound of Silence: Examining the Mediating Roles of Management Support and Interpersonal Trust on Organizational Commitment in Greek Higher Education Institutions

Public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) operate within an increasingly complex administrative environment, where the management of human capital is vital for institutional innovation. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study examines the associations between three dimensions of organizational silence—acquiescent, defensive, and prosocial—and the organizational commitment of administrative staff. Utilizing a quantitative, cross-sectional design with 314 administrative personnel from Greek HEIs, the research employs Hayes’s PROCESS macro to explore the mediating roles of management support and interpersonal trust. The results reveal that acquiescent and defensive silence act as 'devaluators' of social exchange. These forms of silence significantly correlate with diminished commitment, primarily through the erosion of trust and perceived support. In contrast, prosocial silence appears to be a proactive manifestation of institutional loyalty, exhibiting a direct positive association with commitment that remains stable regardless of trust levels. The study identifies a "recognition gap," where altruistic reticence remains invisible within the reciprocal exchange cycle. Practically, the findings suggest that HEI leadership should prioritize cultivating psychological safety and visible support. By addressing these communicative barriers, institutions may better acknowledge "silent loyalists" and foster an environment where a productive voice replaces strategic withdrawal, thereby sustaining long-term organizational dedication.