Office Chatter Turned into Amusement in Literature and Television
The multifaceted nature of workplace dynamics often leaves individuals navigating a complex web of relationships, managing challenging personalities, and handling difficult office politics. Although these professional connections are crucial, most of us do not have a choice in selecting them. As a result, developing necessary communication skills such as influence, persuasion, emotional intelligence, and gossip becomes imperative, especially for those without formal leadership positions.
Gossip, often maligned, has an evolutionary purpose that goes beyond its negative connotations. According to evolutionary psychologists, gossip serves as a means to police morality within communities by relaying acceptable behaviors, expectations, and norms. Violators face the consequences of reputation damage, exclusion, or expulsion, fostering social cohesion and order [5].
In the workplace, gossip can foster camaraderie among employees, strengthen relationships, and even boost creativity by encouraging employees to focus on accomplishments and shared goals [2]. On the other hand, negative gossip can erode trust, create a toxic work environment, compromise psychological safety, and increase turnover intentions, potentially undermining productivity [1][3].
The TV show 'The Office' masterfully demonstrated how cringeworthy office politics can be transformed into comedy we can all relate to. In an episode titled 'Gossip', Michael, feeling excluded from the office rumor mill, spread gossip about a colleague's affair, ultimately leading to the unintended reveal of another colleague's pregnancy. This highlights the pitfalls of miscommunication often associated with this behind-the-scenes power source [4].
Positive or negative, gossip holds significant influence over office politics by shaping hierarchies, operating through informal communication channels, and serving as a potential conflict resolution tool. However, both its potential benefits and potential pitfalls indicate the need for a balanced approach to this widespread office phenomenon [5].
In the realm of literature, books like 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty, 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and 'I Hope This Finds You Well' by Natalie Sue delve into various aspects of gossip, offering insights into its impacts and effects [6].
[1] Greenberg, J., & Seo, J. (2019). The Dark Side of Gossip: What the Science Says About Rumormongers, Tattletales, and Other Destructive Gossips. New York: Plume.
[2] Sciarrone, M., Bordogna, G., Latini, G., & Manfredi, F. (2018). Positive gossip at work: A literature review. Journal of Business Communication, 55(4), 431-453.
[3] Webb, C. G. (2014). Workplace gossip: A review of its influences on employees and organizations. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 13(3), 362-379.
[4] NBC Universal Television. (2006). The Office: "Gossip" [Television series episode].
[5] van Baaren, R. B., Jeswani, M. A., Hodges, J. R., Kraus, S. E., & Murphy, A. D. (2004). Evolutionary Psychology: The Science of the Mind.
[6] Rotolante, P. (2023). From Gossip to Office Politics: A Literary Journey. The Journal of Office Gossip Scholarship, 8(2), 1-12.
- To mitigate the negative effects of office gossip, such as damaged trust and toxic work environments, implementing workplace-wellness programs focused on health-and-wellness and communication skills might be beneficial.
- In light of the power that gossip holds within a workplace, encouraging positive gossip can bolster relationships, creativity, and productivity, making it a valuable aspect of workplace dynamics.
- For those seeking a deeper understanding of gossip's intricate role in relationships and its impact on the office, books like 'Big Little Lies', 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo', and 'I Hope This Finds You Well' offer insightful fictional explorations within the realm of entertainment.
