Gossip: a channel for the development of personal reputation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically test the extent to which gossip plays a role in individual reputation development in the context of contemporary organizations. This study answers the continuous calls to integrate theory across fields by exploring the theoretical links between these two constructs. Design/methodology/approach This study provides a conceptual analysis and general review of the literature on gossip and reputation. The relationship between these two constructs is investigated through a two-study package (lab and field) yielding convergent results. Findings The findings of this study are that gossip contributes to organizational identity in that it reinforces the social norms of groups and that gossip serves as an important enabler of reputational development. This study provides empirical evidence that gossip serves a more significant role in the development of personal reputation than more formal methods of communication. Practical implications As organizations and individuals attempt to develop and capitalize on the effects of individuals’ reputations, this study provides practical insights into the knowledge that needs to be built regarding the method by which this development can occur. This study points to the practical value of gossip in the creation of personal reputation. Originality/value The theoretical framework in this study highlights the centrality of gossip as a primary enabler of reputation development in contemporary organizations. Reputation theory is advanced by studying a segment of the construct that has, until now, been excluded from consideration in this field.

What is known about personal reputation? A systematic literature review

“… Method/Design References No. Of articles in this systematic review % Qualitative [ 9 , 51 , 55 , 68 , 71 , 74 , 75 , 80 , 98 , 102 , 105 , 113 , 116 , 129 ] 14 15.4 Quantitative [ [13] , [14] , [15] , 22 , 49 , [52] , [53] , [54] , [56] , [57] , [58] , [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] , 73 , 76 , 78 , [81] , [82] , [83] , 85 , 87 , 88 , [90] , [91] , [92] , [94] , [95] , [96] , [97] , 99 , …”

“…Refs. [ 22 , 50 , [58] , [59] , [60] , [61] , [62] , [63] , [64] , [65] , [66] , [67] ]). The gaps in this area are linked with the drivers of personal reputation and the effects of personal reputation in different contexts and activities.…”

Don’t Shoot the Messenger? A Morality- and Gender-Based Model of Reactions to Negative Workplace Gossip

“…We further contribute to the limited research on the consequences of gossip for the sender by accounting for the gossip recipient’s perspective in sanctioning behavior. Although the link between gossip, networks (Ellwardt et al, 2012a , 2012b , 2012c ; Ellwardt et al, 2012a , 2012b , 2012c ; Grosser et al, 2010 ), and reputation (Zinko et al, 2017 ) has been documented, extant research has not examined the prevalent phenomenon of peer sanctions related to career. This gap in the literature assumes that such consequences stem only from supervisors (see Grosser et al, 2010 ), as career-related decisions are a typical part of their role responsibilities.…”

When the Chinese guy becomes the female IT specialist Liu – a conceptualization of reputational shifts in international assignments

“…shifts in international assignments when the incident induces communication among HCNs. This communication could range from verbal (e.g., gossiping, see Zinko et al, 2017) to nonverbal communication. In addition, the event could induce direct exchange about this particular event or trigger a more general exchange about the assignee among HCNs.…”