ABSTRACT
The term “wokeness” can be understood as an individual’s awareness of social justice issues and a commitment to promoting equality and fairness in society. Traditionally, wokeness is linked to being tools of highlighting unfairness and discrimination in different social settings. This study argues wokeness can also be examined as a reactionary tool to power dynamics in a workplace setting. This study specifically examines the topic of power dynamics in Malaysian workplaces and how the concept of “wokeness” plays a crucial role as a form of reaction using Albert Hirschman’s concept of exit, voice, and loyalty. The analysis of the Instagram page MalaysianPAYGAP, which features testimonials from Malaysian employees who have experienced power dynamics and injustice in the workplace, determines how wokeness motivates affected employees to react either through the approach of exit, voice, or loyalty. Findings of this study suggest that wokeness has enabled Malaysian employees to feel more empowered by reacting accordingly to power dynamics at workplaces. Additionally, this study aims to demonstrate that wokeness is prevalent within the Malaysian context and can be a tool for both employees and employers to better understand their roles. Ultimately, the findings of this article emphasise the need to re-evaluate the notion of power dynamics and its connection to employee loyalty within the Malaysian workforce. This article is thus significant in pioneering a new way of understanding wokeness as a functional and strategic response to workplace power dynamics, rather than simply a cultural buzzword.
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