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Rumour and gossip in organisations: A conceptual study

Article in Management Decision · June 2000

DOI: 10.1108/00251740010340508

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 Management Decision
Rumour and gossip in organisations: a conceptual study
Grant Michelson Suchitra Mouly
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To cite this document:
Grant Michelson Suchitra Mouly, (2000),"Rumour and gossip in organisations: a conceptual study", Management Decision,
Vol. 38 Iss 5 pp. 339 - 346
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Grant Michelson, V. Suchitra Mouly, (2004),"Do loose lips sink ships?: The meaning, antecedents and consequences of
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rumour and gossip in organisations", Corporate Communications: An International Journal, Vol. 9 Iss 3 pp. 189-201
Adebowale Akande, Funmilayo Odewale, (1994),"One More time: How to Stop Company Rumours", Leadership &
Organization Development Journal, Vol. 15 Iss 4 pp. 27-30
Aryan Gholipour, Samira Fakheri Kozekanan, Mona Zehtabi, (2011),"Utilizing gossip as a strategy to construct organizational
reality", Business Strategy Series, Vol. 12 Iss 2 pp. 56-62

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 Rumour and gossip in organisations: a conceptual
study

Grant Michelson
University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Suchitra Mouly
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

Keywords rumour and gossip. While acknowledging the

Communications, Organisations, Introduction differences, we find that there are many
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Gender, Stereotyping
Have you heard the latest about the new similarities between these two terms and
Abstract manager? hence we chose to use them as synonyms, for
Explores the issue of rumour and No, but do tell. the purpose of this paper. We then review the
gossip in organisations. Given that literature on rumour and gossip in terms of
rumour and gossip can break the Well, apparently, and you must keep this to
their origins, functions and types. The focus
harmony of the workplace unless yourself, I've heard that she intends to change
well managed, it is rather our current work methods in an attempt to of the paper then shifts to examine the
surprising that they have not been reduce staffing levels. influence of gender. Conclusions are drawn
sufficiently examined in in the final section.
management and organisational What!! That's shocking. Just because her
studies. In addition to providing an husband left her for another woman.
analysis of the role played by
Now where did you hear that?
rumour and gossip within
organisations, including, but not Scenarios such as this are played out on an Rumour and gossip: a definition
limited to, its origin, hidden
reasons and its management, the almost continuous basis in organisations. In social settings information may be
role of gender is examined. Our Individuals at work talk about and discuss transmitted by any number of means. The
research reveals that despite the a range of issues that do not always have role of informal communication and, in
commonly-held and entrenched
as their origin formal channels of particular, that played by rumour and gossip
view that women are largely
responsible for instigating and communication. Age, gender, occupational is an important part of this. One of the
perpetuating organisational status or level in the hierarchy do not interesting features of both rumour and
rumour and gossip, a review of the necessarily seem to play a major role in gossip is that they are derivative in the sense
evidence fails to support this
rumourmongering or gossiping. However, that information is received third hand (Suls,
claim.
it is universally acknowledged that 1977). How often have we heard the
involvement in rumour and gossip processes expression ``don't ask me who said it but have
tends to be socially constructed as you heard this?'' At times one wonders at the
``undesirable'', at least in the public sphere. importance or relevance of the source of the
This portrayal stands at odds with reality information (who said it initially or who is
since reliance on informal communication spreading it seems irrelevant). In many cases
sources is a pervasive feature of the source or origin of the message is not
organisations and work. easily located or identified. Because of this,
The purpose of this paper, therefore, is and as one might expect, rumour and gossip
to explore the phenomenon of rumour/gossip are subject to some variation during their
within an organisational setting. In so passage. However, previous research
doing, it will discuss the role of gender and suggests that the core message or main
the common myth that women are far theme essentially remains intact as
more likely than men to both participate in information is being transmitted (Akanda
and perpetuate gossip. A review of the and Odewale, 1994; London and London, 1975;
relevant social science literature finds that Mishra, 1990).
this myth is empirically unsubstantiated, The commonly accepted understanding
and in fact, an unfounded rumour (pun of rumour is that it is talk that is
intended). unsubstantiated by authority or evidence
The structure of the paper is as follows. We as to its authenticity or truth. This suggests
first define the two interrelated concepts of that rumours are hypotheses (unconfirmed
Management Decision propositions) whereby message transmission
38/5 [2000] 339±346 takes place in such a way that the recipient
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
# MCB University Press does not quite know whether or not to believe
[ISSN 0025-1747] http://www.emerald-library.com
the message (Rosnow, 1988). It is often
[ 339 ]
 Grant Michelson and regarded as synonymous with hearsay. idea of spontaneity is the notion that rumour
Suchitra Mouly Popularly regarded as idle talk or trivial and gossip are usually concerned with
Rumour and gossip in chatter, gossip ordinarily carries with it the topical content; they tend to reflect
organisations: a conceptual
study presumption of having some basis in contemporary issues or events of concern
Management Decision factuality. It is perhaps not surprising then to individuals. This helps maintain interest
38/5 [2000] 339±346 that some view the terms ``rumour'' and in the rumour or gossip.
``gossip'' as conceptually distinct (e.g. Noon Tebbutt and Marchington (1997, p. 716)
and Delbridge, 1993). believe that rumour and gossip share many
However, we question this crude similarities although rumour ``is a more
dichotomy often presumed between rumour public and widely disseminated phenomenon
and gossip. While the basis of rumour is than gossip''. Conversely, gossip typically
information that is unsubstantiated, gossip occurs in a context of privacy and intimacy
may or may not be a known fact (see and only through friends and acquaintances,
Rosnow and Fine, 1976, p. 11). This and only with friends and acquaintances
distinction is more a matter of degree than (Bergmann, 1993, p. 70; Eder and Enke, 1991;
substance and the issue becomes problematic Suls, 1977, p. 165). Gossip deals with issues or
in the context of celebrity or political events of interest to an individual or small
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gossip. In such cases the ``facts'' or ``truth'' group while the parameters of rumour
are likely to be highly elusive. It is also extend beyond a few individuals since its
conceivable that the initiation of rumour message is of more universal interest
may be underpinned by some element of (Rosnow and Fine, 1976, p. 11). For this
``truth'', no matter how obscure or reason, some treat gossip as a subset of
circumstantial the evidence. The extent of rumour (e.g. Dowd et al., 1997). However,
factuality or truth is hard to determine any the claim that gossip is a more private or
way, and one can never know if something is ``secretive'' process than rumour ignores
a ``white lie'' or ``half truth''. As some have the mode of information transmission.
previously noted: Gossip can emerge in the public domain
Sometimes it is impossible to separate if it is placed on electronic bulletin boards
rumor from gossip. When, according to (see Harrington and Bielby, 1995). In such
unattributed hearsay, a female executive is cases, the information is made widely
alleged to have ``slept her way to the top'', available.
is this rumor or gossip? (Rosnow, 1988,
Some organisational researchers have
p. 14).
defined gossip as ``the process of informally
The same question might also be asked of communicating value-laden information
the scenario described at the outset of the about members of a social setting'' (Noon
paper. For this reason others believe that and Delbridge, 1993, p. 25). This definition
both rumour and gossip are the same implies that a certain level of secrecy
phenomenon because the bases of them accompanies the gossip process since it
are unauthenticated pieces of information excludes formal methods of communication
that can either be positive or negative in such as memos, newletters and bulletin
terms of message content, and, hence, boards. It also presumes that the information
effect on those who hear it (see Dowd et al., conveyed is intended to have some impact
1997). on the recipients of gossip. Innocuous
Largely as a result of the difficulty of information is therefore discarded and,
locating the source of the message and, according to Noon and Delbridge (1993),
consequently, an ability to either evaluate or does not qualify as gossip. Others concur
confirm it, both rumour and gossip have an when they note:
additional characteristic in common ± Information, no matter how salient or
suspension of disbelief. For both to sustain scandalous, isn't gossip unless the
interest and flourish among social circles participants know enough about the people
involved to experience the thrill of revelation
there must be a suspension of belief on the
(Yerkovich, 1977, p. 196).
part of those involved. In this context,
individuals often express strong resistance to Still others describe gossip as ``critical
evidence that may be contrary to some talk about third parties'' (Gilmore, 1978,
preconceived idea promulgated by the p. 92).
rumour or gossip (Rosnow, 1988, p. 15). It is We believe that the inclusion of value-
also commonplace for individuals to resist laden information only is unduly limiting
any recording of their utterances. This because it fails to acknowledge the different
reveals a further characteristic that rumour purposes or functions that gossip may serve
and gossip begins ``spontaneously'' and is (see next section). Moreover, this line of
seldom ever planned (Bergmann, 1993, argument assumes that the subject of gossip
pp. 39-40). Closely intertwined with the is always an individual or a group. It is
[ 340 ]
 Grant Michelson and conceivable that gossip can revolve around construct a unified interpretation. This is
Suchitra Mouly inanimate objects or events such as the the approach adopted in the paper. For this
Rumour and gossip in outcome of an office refurbishment or a reason the terms ``rumour'' and ``gossip''
organisations: a conceptual
study new management initiative, for example. are used interchangeably and are taken
Management Decision Here, some attempt to remedy this to mean ``informal communication
38/5 [2000] 339±346 deficiency by defining gossip as ``informal transmitted to another person or persons,
communication about real or fictional irrespective of whether or not the
people or events that are not currently communication has been established as
present or ongoing'' (Harrington and Bielby, fact''.
1995, p. 626).
The functions served by both rumour
and gossip (for example, information,
influence and entertainment) appear to be Research on rumour and gossip: a
identical. However, it has been cogently brief review
argued that their motivations are different: It has previously been argued that there is a
rumours are underpinned by a desire for ``discrepancy between the collective public
meaning or clarification to cope with the
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denunciation and the collective private

uncertainties of life; gossip is primarily practicing of gossip'' (Bergmann, 1993, p. 21).
stimulated by personal ego and status needs Underlying this statement is a question of
in a social context (Rosnow and Fine, 1976, morality. That is, gossip behaviour is
p. 4). With respect to better explaining generally discredited or condemned as
the motive for rumour these same writers immoral in the social domain although the
note: reality reveals widespread individual
Our minds strive to eliminate chaos and interest and participation in rumour/gossip
uncertainty. When the truth is not directly processes (cf. Yerkovich, 1977). Such
forthcoming we piece together information involvement might be captured by the
as best we can, giving rise to rumors,
following expression: ``I don't like to gossip
rationalizations, and the search for a
definition of the situation. The reason
but . . .''. Awareness of this paradox or
rumors circulate is that they explain things dilemma seems common with reports of deep
and relieve the tensions of uncertainty ambivalence about telling tales in social
(Rosnow and Fine, 1976, p. 51). settings (e.g. Haviland, 1977). One way that
the problem of being labelled a ``notorious
Despite the motivational differences, both gossip'' may be resolved is attempting to
rumour and gossip share the same locate the rumour/gossip in its context ``so
disreputable connotation. To engage in that it appears as the unintended, accidental,
rumour and gossip is often considered an and thereby excusable activity of an
ignominious act (see Rosnow and Fine, occasional gossiper'' (Bergmann, 1993,
1976, p. 85). A summary of this section is pp. 77-8). In other words, it is ``discreet
outlined in Table I. Notwithstanding the indiscretion''.
differences, we believe that there is more This interpretation of rumour/gossip is
in common between rumour and gossip to important for another reason. Obtaining
information through gossip is used by
Table I individuals to make social comparisons.
Overview of rumour and gossip similarities and differences Such comparisons allow the individual to
Factor Rumour Gossip evaluate their own position (including
attitudes and abilities) with respect to
Basis Hearsay Hearsay others (Suls, 1977). This implies that the
Unsubstantiated information Some presumption of
transmission of gossip can be a relatively
``factuality''
innocuous means of obtaining needed
Characteristics Suspension of recipient Suspension of recipient comparison information that may be less
disbelief disbelief embarrassing or risky in terms of loss of
``Culture'' of more public, ``Culture'' of privacy/ self-esteem when publicly comparing oneself
universal interest intimacy with others. In an organisational context,
Topicality of message Topicality of message therefore, gossip and rumour functions to
Spontaneity Spontaneity provide its members with an important
self-appraisal role.
Primary motivation Desire to cope with Desire to achieve status and
The purposes or functions served by
uncertainty ego needs
rumour or gossip are numerous and wide-
Nature of content Malevolent/benevolent Malevolent/benevolent ranging. Broadly, these are depicted as
information, influence and entertainment
Primary connotation Neutral/negative Neutral/negative (Rosnow, 1977). The first of these represents
(directionality) an attempt by individuals to better
[ 341 ]
 Grant Michelson and understand their social environment. The informal communication network that
Suchitra Mouly second function builds on the first by operates within organisations (e.g. Crampton
Rumour and gossip in addressing the utilisation of information to et al., 1998; Mishra, 1990; Sutton and Porter,
organisations: a conceptual
study the individual's benefit. Some contend, for 1968). Although such networks exhibit
Management Decision instance, that gossip within organisations considerable resilience and cannot be
38/5 [2000] 339±346 may provide a ``survival mechanism'' in eliminated, organisations, nonetheless, are
that it could be one means of humanising exhorted to actively manage and control the
bureaucratic structures (Gabriel, 1991). One grapevine (Dowd et al., 1997; Zaremba, 1988).
tangible outcome of this may be related to In practice, this seldom appears to occur
alleviating excessive levels of employee (Crampton et al., 1998).
stress (Mishra, 1990, p. 223). Finally, In addition, much of the popular business
rumour or gossip may have entertainment literature tends to treat rumour/gossip as a
value for its own sake. It has been argued detrimental activity for organisations.
that engaging in gossip is an act which Gossip is assumed to undermine productivity
can generate pleasure or satisfaction for and sap employee morale (e.g. Akanda and
those involved (Gabriel, 1995; Haviland, Odewale, 1994; Baker and Jones, 1996;
1977). Danziger, 1988; DiFonzo et al., 1994; Esposito
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To support the different functions there are and Rosnow, 1993). However, the analysis on
a number of rumour types. Our review of the which such claims are based is often too
literature suggests that there are four simplistic; time spent gossiping is seen as
categories of rumour. The first of these is the working time lost to the organisation. Claims
``pipe dream'' or wish fulfilment and such such as these ignore the potential benefits of
rumours largely express the hopes of those rumour/gossip. Rogers and Rogers (1976)
who circulate them. One example might be point out that rumour can be utilised by
expressing a possible solution to a work managers rather than feared or eradicated.
problem that the employee wants to change. For instance, information may be more
The second type of rumour is the ``bogey'' or rapidly transmitted to employees than
anxiety rumour. These are primarily driven through formal channels and managers can
by fear and, consequently, create unease often be better placed to measure the early
among its recipients. An example of this effects of policies and procedures by
might be a company takeover and the gauging workers' reactions to them (Mishra,
prospect of redundancies in the not-too- 1990). Other researchers go further and posit
distant future. The third type of rumour is that gossip helps preserve group solidarity
the anticipatory rumour and these are and formal structures at work (Noon and
often precipitated by situations of ambiguity. Delbridge, 1993). Since gossip tends to
An illustration of this might be whether or take place between friends or within
not a new general manager will come from particular functional groupings within
within the organisation or be appointed organisations, gossiping reinforces the
from elsewhere. The final category, which social bond of the participants. This suggests
is motivated by an intention to harm ``that gossip is not merely idle talk, but talk
others, is known as the aggressive rumour. with a social purpose'' (Rosnow and Fine,
Here, women may face disadvantage since 1976, p. 91). Personal friendships or social
they are more likely to be the subject of groups are indicative of active channels
sexual gossip (Mishra, 1990, p. 219). of informal communication (Festinger
Sometimes, this may stem from a perception et al., 1948; Mishra, 1990; Sutton and Porter,
that female employees are romantically 1968).
involved with other organisational Not all of these propositions have been
members for the primary purpose of subject to empirical examination. When they
advancing their careers (see Pierce et al., have been they reveal that the function and
1996, p. 23). nature of rumour/gossip is not static but
While there has been a growing awareness tends to change according to the situation. In
of the different types of, and functions served a study conducted within the further
by rumour, much of the available evidence education sector in the United Kingdom, the
comes from the fields of social psychology, findings challenged the orthodoxy of Noon
anthropology and communication. Here, and Delbridge that gossip enhances group
we concur with Noon and Delbridge (1993, solidarity and collective social control (see
p. 31) about the relative absence of research Tebbutt and Marchington, 1997). The authors
on rumour or gossip in organisational concluded that the context of job/work
studies. What little there is tends to be insecurity in further education help
narrowly focused or lacks analytical rigour. explain this outcome. In a further study it
For example, many writers have addressed was revealed that gossip is not confined
the functioning of the ``grapevine'' or the to occurring only between friends,
[ 342 ]
 Grant Michelson and acquaintances or work groups. Intimacy may an overtly female form of communication
Suchitra Mouly be absent from informal communication (Bergmann, 1993, p. 59). At this time there
Rumour and gossip in when gossip occurs between strangers such was clearly nothing sinister or scornful
organisations: a conceptual
study as that which takes place on electronic about the term.
Management Decision bulletin boards. The difference in the mode By the Elizabethan period, the term
38/5 [2000] 339±346 of transmission (written as opposed to ``gossip'' had expanded from the context
verbal) and the social context of electronic of family relationships to individual
information channels also changes the relationships more generally (Rysman, 1977).
nature of gossip in a discernible way However, by this stage gossip had begun to
(Harrington and Bielby, 1995). For instance, acquire a negative connotation or stigma
evaluation of the gossip is heavily contingent in some circles, particularly as it was applied
on the informant's status; status, which to women. The association of gossip with
can emerge only gradually, is itself a women had become entrenched in terms
function of the informant's perceived of figures of speech, anecdotes, proverbs
honesty. and caricatures. Here, gossip by and among
Given the topicality underpinning rumour women was generally viewed with hostility
and gossip transmission (see Table I), it is not and was being described with such phrases
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surprising to discover that a rumour will as ``idle talk'', ``tattle'', ``prattle'' and ``run
tend to dissipate if it largely becomes about''. In contrast, the meaning attached
irrelevant. Once an event has occurred and to male gossip was more convivial and
the facts been established, the rumour positive and included such expressions
becomes superfluous (Rosnow and Fine, 1976, as ``shop talk'' and ``shooting the breeze''
p. 48). In addition, rumours may lose interest (e.g. Rosnow and Fine, 1976, p. 82). In
among recipients due to boredom, frustration other words, if a woman and a man were
or simply because they fail to generate accused of talking too much, the former was
sufficient interest. This has led to the view accused of being a gossip while the latter was
that rumour/gossip needs to be theoretically not.
analysed in terms of a life-cycle model. Some imply that the inconsistency of usage
Having briefly identified the moral of the term ``gossip'' is perpetuated by men:
dimension of rumour/gossip, the role played ``a man who talks too much is often called
by context, the different functions and types `an old woman''', a phrase that manages to
of rumour, as well as its treatment in the blame womankind for the man's verbosity''
organisational literature, the next section (Rysman, 1977, p. 179). The statement
turns to explore the influence of gender on further makes it clear that should men
rumour/gossip. indulge in gossip they will attract scorn and
ridicule since they are assuming a typically
female mode of behaviour (Bergmann, 1993,
p. 62). This interpretation supports the
The influence of gender on earlier claim that rumour/gossip has
organisational rumour/gossip gradually evolved to now include a moral
The linguistic origins of the word ``gossip'' dimension.
are positive in their connotation and can be The disapproval of gossiping in the public
traced to the sponsorship of a child at its domain does seem to apply different
baptism. It is derived from a corruption of standards to male and female participants.
Old English godsibb whereby sibb means In addition to sexual stereotyping, women
``related''. In this context a godsibb can be managers who have to make difficult
translated as ``godparent''. As Room notes, decisions involving their organisations, for
``From this specialized sense, the meaning example, may be subject to greater levels of
expanded to denote a woman's female friends negative gossip than those experienced by
at the birth of a child, and hence to the casual male colleagues. In a case study of gossip in a
chat that they indulged in'' (Room, 1996, work context characterised by insecurity and
p. 465). Further, the ``gossip'' would have uncertainty, one women manager attracted
the responsibility of telling others not trenchant criticism from both male and
present of the news of the birth. It is not female subordinates for her actions on
altogether surprising that this variation in grounds that appeared to be related only to
meaning emerged since there were her gender (see Tebbutt and Marchington,
historically quite different expectations of 1997, p. 729). This further illustrates how
men's and women's roles in the birth process. once opinions start to form, it becomes
That is, it was customary for men to stay increasingly difficult to refute them.
away from the actual birth of a child The previous section noted the ostensible
(Rysman, 1977). In etymological terms, relation between rumour/gossip and
therefore, gossip was originally presented as solidarity and there is some support for
[ 343 ]
 Grant Michelson and the view that women may be more likely in rumour communication. The level of
Suchitra Mouly than men to engage in gossip in order to anxiety experienced by a person, for
Rumour and gossip in establish solidarity and make social example, has been revealed as helping to
organisations: a conceptual
study comparison (Leaper and Holliday, 1995; predict the spread of rumour (Anthony, 1973;
Management Decision Levin and Arluke, 1985). There do not, Walker and Blaine, 1991). Thus, rumours that
38/5 [2000] 339±346 however, appear to be gender differences have the potential to arouse anxiety within
in terms of the tone or content of gossip. organisations will tend to stimulate more
Others contend that, generally speaking, communication among its members because
men and women do not differ significantly they forewarn of negative outcomes. What
in their gossip frequency (Bergmann, 1993, the preceding discussion does do, however, is
p. 67). The research evidence does appear seriously question the assumed importance
quite mixed. often placed on gender in rumour/gossip
This conclusion is further supported by processes.
other work. Anthropological research has
shed light on the processes of gossip and
questioned the assumption that it is
primarily a domain of women. Men have Conclusions
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been found to gossip as frequently as women This paper is the first step towards our
although there is often a veneer that men long term research agenda wherein we
do not engage in such behaviour. This may propose to study rumour/gossip in its
have something to do with the visibility (or entirety, how it affects organisations, what
otherwise) of the locations in which are its networks and how it can be effectively
individuals participate in gossip (see used. In this paper we present the nature of
Bergmann, 1993, pp. 59-60). In a case of a rumour/ gossip, their interrelatedness,
Spanish rural community, women were functions, types and establish an operational
observed as gossiping in highly visible or definition. The paper also dispensed with
``public'' settings such as street corners the myth that women gossip more than
and the marketplace while men gossiped in men.
more ``private'' settings such as barbershops As an activity, rumour/gossip is widely
and taverns (see Gilmore, 1978). Two general practiced but surprisingly it is little
conclusions can be drawn from this study: understood in an organisational context.
first, that gossip is by no means the sole Efforts at theorising rumour/gossip are
province of women and, second, there is still at an embryonic stage. And interestingly
evidence of a gender division in the location (probably in tune with the nature of the
of rumour/gossip activities. topic), most of the assertions about rumour/
One implication of an early study on gossip are not empirically grounded.
rumour suggests that rumour transmission While rumour or gossip can be construed
may be more heavily influenced by as seemingly trivial or harmless talk in
contextual factors than individual some contexts, this does not mean it
characteristics such as gender. In particular, is unimportant in management and
it was hypothesised that rumours ``will tend organisational studies. Not only is rumour or
to arise in situations where developments gossip an extremely widespread form of
especially relevant to people's existence communication, but it may also provide a
lie largely outside their own control'' range of organisational benefits. These
(Festinger et al., 1948, p. 483). Military include, for example, the means to more
organisations, for example, depict such a rapidly transmit information to employees,
case where its organisational members the ability to test or gauge employee
(males) do not ordinarily have much reactions to new management initiatives
control over aspects of their working lives. and the role played by rumour/gossip in
Other situations which also appear to reinforcing social bonds and formal work
be associated with rumours include an structures.
insecure and threatening organisational It has been shown that rumour or gossip
environment, when the subject matter of is an extremely complex activity. The
the communication is of importance, and purposes or functions include information,
those organisations with a poor internal influence and entertainment. In addition,
climate since employees mistrust formal there are different types of rumour including
communications (see Crampton et al., 1998; pipe dream, bogey, anticipatory and
Rosnow, 1988). aggressive rumours. And, finally, the role
This is not to suggest that individual of context as well as certain personality
attributes are unimportant; certain characteristics of individuals all impact
personality characteristics of individuals upon rumour/gossip. This suggests that
may also influence the propensity to engage a comprehensive understanding of this
[ 344 ]
 Grant Michelson and phenomenon within organisations requires (1948), ``A study of a rumor: its origin and
Suchitra Mouly a deep knowledge of a range of different spread'', Human Relations, Vol. 1 No. 4,
Rumour and gossip in pp. 464-86.
organisations: a conceptual factors.
study One such factor examined in the paper Gabriel, Y. (1991), ``Turning facts into stories and
was gender. There is a common stereotype stories into facts: a hermeneutic exploration
Management Decision
38/5 [2000] 339±346 that construes rumour/gossip as a female or organizational folklore'', Human Relations,
disposition. While there is not unambiguous Vol. 44 No. 8, pp. 857-75.
evidence supporting this hypothesis, the Gabriel, Y. (1995), ``The unmanaged organization:
paper revealed that this stereotype may be stories, fantasies and subjectivity'',
Organization Studies, Vol. 16 No. 3,
an artefact which principally derives from
pp. 477-501.
the etymology of the situation (cf. Rosnow
Gilmore, D. (1978), ``Varieties of gossip in a
and Fine, 1976, pp. 81-2). Here, the
Spanish rural community'', Ethnology, Vol. 17
connotations that apply to male and female
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gossip were seen as vastly different.
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Application questions
1 In what situations do rumour and gossip 2 The article concludes with a number of
become harmful to an organization? instances where rumour and gossip can be
used by organizations. How could you
accomplish this in each case?

[ 346 ]
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