Breaking the Silence: The Role of Gossip in Organizational Culture

Confidential Gossip and Organization Studies

“…Suls, 1977) or to construct and/or reconstruct the image of a third party (e.g. van Iterson et al, 2011). Finally, it should not be forgotten that gossip in organizations can also provide pleasure and entertainment, generating excitement, enjoyment or relaxation (e.g.…”

“…Research on confidential gossip is by definition methodologically challenging, given its character as a subset of both informal secrecy and gossip and therefore its social ephemerality, contextuality, sensitivity and embeddedness. Confidential gossip, similarly to gossip, is an ephemeral activity that is difficult to 'catch in the act' of being perpetrated (van Iterson et al, 2011). It emerges, submerges and re-emerges in between social connections and tensions, between interpersonal attachments and detachments.…”

“…Several studies have also shown another aspect of such constitution where gossip acts as a vehicle to transmit group norms, values and moral principles (e.g. Paine, 1967;van Iterson, Waddington, & Michelson, 2011). In particular, gossip can mark out a group's social boundaries (e.g.…”

“…Finally, it should not be forgotten that gossip in organizations can also provide pleasure and entertainment, generating excitement, enjoyment or relaxation (e.g. Foster, 2004;van Iterson et al, 2011). It may also create displeasure, anger, or a sense of exclusion for those who are the target of, or are not privy to, gossip.…”

Equality and Gender at Work in Islam: The Case of the Berber Population of the High Atlas Mountains

“…Different studies have alluded to gossip as a barrier to women's employment and participation in society more widely across the MMCs (González, 2013; Khan, Munir, & Willmott, 2007;Syed et al, 2018;Syed, Ali, & Winstanley, 2005). Gossip can function as a segregator by differentiating between who is considered an "insider" or an "outsider" and by shaping who is perceived to be "better qualified" or "established" in social as well as work situations (van Iterson et al, 2011).…”