Title: Organisational cynicism: bibliometric analysis of antecedents, outcomes, and emerging research directions

Authors: Amit Gupta; Sonam Chawla

Addresses: Indian Institute of Management Sirmaur, Dhaula Kuan, District Sirmaur – 173031, Himachal Pradesh, India ' Jindal Global Business School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, India

Abstract: Organisational cynicism is a prevalent issue in modern workplaces, garnering increasing scholarly attention on its antecedents, outcomes, and implications. This article provides a bibliometric review of the literature, examining the theoretical foundations, research methodologies, and empirical findings related to organisational cynicism across various contexts. It discusses frameworks such as social exchange theory, conservation of resources theory, attribution theory, and organisational justice theory, emphasising the interplay of individual, organisational, and contextual factors that contribute to workplace cynicism. Additionally, the article identifies emerging research avenues, including the intersections of cynicism with gender, race, and ethnicity, dynamics in digital work environments, and its impact on employee voice behaviour and organisational resilience. By addressing these gaps, the article aims to enhance understanding of organisational cynicism and inform strategies for cultivating a positive work environment, underscoring the importance of recognising and addressing cynicism to foster a culture of trust, engagement, and resilience.

Keywords: organisation cynicism; bibliographic analysis; co-citation analysis; theme analysis; keyword analysis; theory-context-characteristics methodology; TCCM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBBM.2025.153053

International Journal of Bibliometrics in Business and Management, 2025 Vol.4 No.4, pp.410 - 443

Received: 05 Nov 2024
Accepted: 27 Nov 2025
Published online: 20 Apr 2026 *

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