Gossip & Rumor In The Workplace

Outline

• History• Definition• Positives• Negatives• Tips

Definitions

• Rumors: “Bits of unverified information that circulate among people confronted with uncertainty.”

• Gossip: “More social in nature, usually personal and usually derogatory.” Done for “fun.”

Source: DiFonzo. Rumor Psychology: Social and Organizational Approaches.

Gossip

Definition: Talking about another person’s private information• Inside scoop - About romances, work habits,

illnesses, family, personal issues…• Often negative• Behind the back• Unverified information

Gossip

• It’s a way to informally communicate that can be positive or negative to an organization.

• It’s a way to try to make sense of one’s environment (DiFonzo & Prashant, 1997; Rosnow & Fine, 1976).

• Occurs when things are ambiguous.

Rumor

• Occurs in an ambiguous environment.• Helps make sense of the unknown.

• People gossip for the purpose of gaining information, influencing others, and socializing with other members in the organization (Rosnow, 2001).

Purpose of Gossip

What Happens When Gossip Is Passed On?

• Distortion in recall• Embellishments - Increase importance• Forgetting - Some information gets lost• Blending of events

If You…

• Stay and listen to the gossip?

Tips

Step 1• Ignore. Rumors spread only if you acknowledge

them. • Don’t pass the rumors on.• The rate of spread declines if you ignore it.

Tips

Step Two• Confront the people spreading the rumor if you can’t

ignore it or if it’s about you. • Ask them to stop spreading it.

Tips

Step 3• Let the rumor run its course.• Rumors have a short shelf life. Be patient and it will

go away.

Tips

Step 4• Talk to your boss if you can’t solve the issue on your

own.• Ask your boss if he/she has a suggestion on how to

deal with distracting rumors.

Tips

Step 5• Concentrate on work.• Focus on your job to get your mind off the rumor.

Tips

Step 6• Tell those that gossip that you don’t want any part of

the rumor.• This takes away the enjoyment they get with

spreading rumors.

Organizational Solutions

• Open communication.• What is top management doing and why they are

doing it? Communicate how the decision affects organizational accomplishments and goals.

• Expect high productivity and communication.• Clarity of rules and policies.

Agnesian Work & Wellness EAP(800) 458-8183

Boomers

Formative events• The Civil Rights Movement• Vietnam War• Woodstock• The Cold War• Roe vs. Wade• Kennedys, King

assassinations

Think of:• The Beatles• Bill Gates• Bill Clinton• Oprah Winfrey• Muhammad Ali

Boomers: An Overview

• Boomers dominate the workforce (77 million)• They have a strong, loyal, solid work ethic

described by them as working long and hard, and being seen doing it.

• Economic conditions have required layoffs and downsizing, and some Boomers feel their work ethic may have gone unrewarded.

Boomers In the Workplace

• Believe in, champion, and evaluate themselves and others based on their work ethic.

• Work ethic for Boomers is measured in hours worked. Measuring productivity in those hours is less important.

• Believe teamwork is critical to success.• Believe relationship building is very important.• Expect loyalty from those they work with.

Boomers In the Marketplace

• Are interested in products and services that will allow them to regain control of their time.

• Believe technology brings with it as many problems as it provides solutions.

• Want products and services that have been customized for them, the individual.

• Believe rules should be obeyed unless they are contrary to what they want; then they’re to be broken.

• Want products and services that will indicate to their peers that they’re successful.

Xers: At a Glance

• Born between 1965 and 1981• When you think of this generation think: Skeptical, Reluctant

Address the Problem Behavior

Formative Events• Watergate• Fall of the Berlin Wall• Challenger explosion• The Gulf War• The PC boom• The Reagan Presidency

Think Of:• Monica Lewinsky• Michael Dell

Xers: An Overview

• As youth they were told they’d be the first generation in the nation’s history that would not be as successful as their parents.

• “We’ve seen that the company won’t provide it, nor will the government, so it is up to me.”

• They reject the Boomer work ethic attitude.• They “inherit” the many management positions

vacated by the Boomers upon their retirement.

Xers In the Workplace

• Eschew the hard-core, super-motivated, do or die Boomer work ethic.

• Want open communication regardless of position, title, or tenure.

• Respect production over tenure.• Value control of their time.• Look for a person to whom they can invest loyalty,

not a company.

Xers In the Marketplace

• Can spot a phony a mile away.• Rely on peer-to-peer referrals more than any other

generation.• Want options; plans B, C and D.• Embrace technology as a way to maintain control of

their lives.• Want to be in control of the sale.

Millennials/GenY/Echo: At a Glance

• Born between 1981 and 1999• When you think of this generation think: Coddled

Millennials/GenY/Echo: At a Glance

Formative Events• Oklahoma City Bombing• Columbine• 9/11 Terrorist Attack• The Internet boom

Think of:• Tara Lipinski• LeAnn Rimes

Millennials: An Overview

• For the majority of their lives they’ve only seen a growing economy.

• Entering the workforce in droves.• In the workplace they are looking for the opportunity

to learn and move about.• They want to be close with their peers and search for

leadership from their bosses and supervisors.

Millennials In the Workplace• Search for the individual who will help them achieve

their goals.• Want open, constant communication and positive

reinforcement from their boss.• Find working with someone of the Mature

generation easy to do.• Search for a job that provides great, personal

fulfillment.• Are searching for ways to shed the stress in their

lives.

Generation (wh)Y?• Technology obsessed vs. tech savvy• Entitled vs. ambitious• Pampered vs. nurtured• High maintenance vs. high performance• Loud vs. vocal• Superficial vs. efficient

Generation (wh)Y?

• Unrealistic vs. optimistic• Excessively questioning vs. eager for understanding• Lazy vs. broad interests• Needy vs. sensitive• Know it alls vs. quick studies

Generation (wh)Y?• Upbringing (child-centered, encouraged to question

everything)• Knowledge and Information (find it quick, don’t

need to store in brain, breadth may compromise depth)

• Hard Work (Why doing it? Results oriented)• Loyalty (higher for family, friends and community

than employer)

Generation (wh)Y?• Feeling valued/creating value (experience

important, but…)• Technology• Balance• Future (Columbine, 9/11, terrorism, global warming,

financial crisis)• From employers (engaged in professional

development, ongoing learning, feedback, bigger picture)

Opportunities• Employer• Community• Education