Some leaders use sham participation in hopes of fooling others into rubber-stamping decisions. Others see it as a necessary if empty ritual given local traditions and procedures. And some believe that, even when people realize their input doesn’t count, the mere opportunity to voice their opinions somehow makes them feel better about their leaders and workplaces. Yet research on organizational justice suggests the deception and disrespect that define sham participation will alienate and anger employees and other stakeholders.
