Gossip in organisations: Contexts, consequences and controversies

Michelson, G., van Iverson, A. and Waddington, K. 2010. Gossip in organisations: Contexts, consequences and controversies. Group & Organization Management. 35 (4), pp. 371-390. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601109360389

TitleGossip in organisations: Contexts, consequences and controversies
AuthorsMichelson, G., van Iverson, A. and Waddington, K.
Abstract

This article examines the key themes surrounding gossip including its contexts, the various outcomes (positive and negative) of gossip as well as a selection of challenges and controversies. The challenges which are highlighted revolve around definitional issues, methodological approaches, and ethical considerations. Our analysis suggests that the characteristics and features of gossip lend itself to a process-oriented approach whereby the beginning and, particularly, end points of gossip are not always easily identified. Gossip about a subject or person can temporarily disappear only for it to re-surface at some later stage. In addition, questions pertaining to the effects of gossip and ethical-based arguments depend on the nature of the relationships within the gossip triad (gossiper, listener/respondent and target).

JournalGroup & Organization Management
Journal citation35 (4), pp. 371-390
ISSN1059-6011
Year2010
PublisherSage
Accepted author manuscript
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601109360389
Publication dates
Published11 Feb 2010

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