Psychological Safety: The History, Renaissance, and Future of an Interpersonal Construct

Abstract

This article delves into the concept of psychological safety within organizational settings, tracing its historical development and resurgence in contemporary research. Psychological safety is defined as a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking. The study synthesizes empirical evidence demonstrating its critical role in fostering innovation, learning, and performance. The author argues that organizations must cultivate an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing ideas and concerns without fear of negative consequences. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the dynamics of psychological safety in diverse organizational contexts.