The buzz at work: Nature, functions and social consequences of gossip in a formal organization

Date of Publication

2006

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Behavioral Sciences

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Behavioral Sciences

Thesis Adviser

Ma. Elena Chiong-Javier

Defense Panel Chair

Jesusa Marco

Defense Panel Member

Dennis Erasga
Stella Go

Abstract/Summary

This study is exploratory-descriptive and utilizes the qualitative method of key informant interview. It seeks to understand how gossip occurs and spreads in a formal organization, that is, a bank. Twenty purposively selected bank employees from one department, consisting of 10 males and 10 females, were obtained to determine the nature, functions and consequences of gossip as it was experienced at work. They are between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Half of them are college graduates and the other half has attained a graduate degree. In general, the results of the study did not show much difference between the responses of the male and the female subjects. On the nature of gossip, most informants associated the term with “chismis”, hearsay, or bad information. People in the same room were found to be the ones who would usually gossip because they share physical proximity. No one in particular was identified as the main source of gossip in the bank. While physical proximity continued to serve as an important factor in spreading gossip through oral means, the presence of electronic gadgets in the office setting such as e-mail and text became a more convenient alternative for the efficient transmission of gossip. The top three functions of gossip in the bank were to disseminate information, to be entertained by the accounts, and to be cautioned about one’s behavior so as not to be talked about in a gossipy way. In terms of the consequences of gossip, the negative effect of gossip is the damage it brings to the reputation of the one talked about. The major positive consequences, on the other hand, were given in the following terms: it helps one to avoid committing the behavior gossiped about, and it allows bank people to assess their system against the stories they heard. In conclusion, the perceptions on gossip did not vary according to gender. Bank employees tended to see more positive rather than negative functions of gossip in the bank. They also agreed that the negative consequences of gossip outweigh its positive effects. Modern technology available in the office setting aids the traditional means (face-to-face, oral communication) of transmitting gossip especially outside the office parameters.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Print

Accession Number

TU13227; CDTU013227

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F, Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

75 leaves ; Computer print-out.

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