Download - Gossip & Rumor In the Workplace
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