Recent research from Durham University Business School and NEOMA Business School reveals that workplace gossip can seriously harm your career prospects. The study reveals that individuals who engage in gossip not only face disapproval from their colleagues but are also likely to be socially excluded, which can have detrimental effects on their career progression.
The study highlights that workplace gossipers are often viewed negatively by their peers, leading to social exclusion within the company. Interestingly, the research also found that gender influences how gossipers are perceived, with women generally holding a more negative view of gossipers compared to men.
The research was led by Dr Maria Kakarika, Associate Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Leadership at Durham University Business School, in collaboration with Dr Shiva Taghavi and Dr Helena González-Gómez, Associate Professors of Organisational Behaviour at NEOMA Business School, Dr Shiva Taghavi and Dr Helena González-Gómez. The team sought to understand how colleagues react to workplace gossip and whether such behaviour impacts the gossiper’s social standing or career prospects.
Three Studies Examine Gossiping Behavior
- Study 1: Nearly 200 participants were presented with a workplace scenario where a colleague was either gossiping or not. Participants then completed a survey to assess their views on the gossiper’s morality.
- Study 2: The gender of the gossiper was manipulated, and the same experiment was repeated with 500 participants. This study aimed to identify if gender affects colleagues’ perceptions of gossipers. Additionally, participants’ behavioural reactions towards the gossiper were measured.
- Study 3: Over 200 participants from various organisations were surveyed about past gossiping incidents in their workplaces. They described the incidents and shared their thoughts on the gossipers, including their subsequent behaviour towards them.
Negative Perceptions Lead to Career Consequences
The findings from the studies reveal that workplace gossipers are generally viewed in a negative light by their colleagues. Many respondents reported socially excluding gossipers from groups, limiting the information shared with them, and even avoiding interactions with them altogether.
More concerning, the research shows that gossiping can have severe implications for career advancement. Participants were more likely to give low performance ratings to gossiping peers, recommend reductions in bonuses, and impede their chances of promotion.
Gossiping is a common behaviour in workplaces, but it’s important to recognise that it often reflects more negatively on the gossiper than on the person being discussed, says Dr Kakarika. “Our research suggests that if employees were more aware of the negative impacts gossiping can have on their careers, they might think twice before engaging in it.”
Implications for Organisations
While it may be challenging to monitor and control gossip in the workplace, the researchers suggest that organisations should actively inform employees about the potential career risks associated with gossiping. By raising awareness of these negative implications, companies may be able to reduce the prevalence of gossip and foster a more positive work environment.
