Introduction
A significant number of researches are focused on the working atmosphere of the organization. One study is described in the article On Coffee Talk and Break-Room Chatter by Farley et al. (2010). It is based on a survey of people regarding their attitude to gossip. Although some scholars view the gossip trend as having both positive and negative effects, research in the article proves its harmful properties.
The General Topic of The Article
The main topic of the study was the specifics of the process by which women gossip in the workplace. The concept of gossip, its causes, features, and consequences for the working climate in the organization was studied. According to Farley et al. (2010), “the present paper focuses on how individuals perceive female gossipers in the workplace” (p. 2). In addition, particular attention was paid to the investigation of the desire of workers to have power in the company.
Methodology
In the study, 129 people, both men and women were interviewed. The study’s methodology was a questionnaire of people regarding their opinion about women who spread negative information about other people. The respondents’ answers were structured according to six dimensions of the FIRO-B by the ratings they filled in after the poll. As Farley et a. (2010) state, “the questionnaire consisted of demographic items (e.g., participant, gender, etc.)” (p. 4). It had 54 items each and was proceeded on the Survey Monkey site.
Results
The study determined that employees who resort to gossip in the workplace have a specific interest in that. For example, it can be dealing with stressful workplace situations, having a greater need to exert control of others, and clearing up matters that are not explained well in the formal communication system (Farley, 2010). The study identified two types of gossipers, high and low. It has been found that high gossipers have a significantly more desire to express control in the organization. Moreover, it is essential to note that this category has less desire to be under control by others.
Implications on Topic
The study described in the article is of considerable value for researching aspects of the organization’s functioning and business. Quality relationships between employees are essential in building competent and productive work in the company. Since the problem of gossip is actual, as identified in the study, it requires a consistent and in-depth analysis. Consequently, the research is aimed at the results that can be applied in practice.
Questions
- What were the reasons for the most negative reviews of those surveyed about gossip in the workplace?
- Despite the much smaller number of respondents compared to the number intended (129 instead of 500), has the expected research quality been achieved?
- How the results can be applied to improve communication between supervisors and subordinates in an organization?
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is vital to stress that relations between employees in the workplace can be significantly nuanced. Psychological impact on their work can directly affect business success and productivity. The gossip aspect of communication in the workplace may be the reason for a certain level of female dissatisfaction with the work process. The importance of the study’s outcome lies in understanding that although gossiping is considered a negative factor, it can be eliminated by improving the working conditions and working atmosphere in the organization.
Reference
Farley, S. D., Timme, D. R., & Hart, J. W. (2010). On coffee talk and break-room chatter: Perceptions of women who gossip in the workplace. The Journal of Social Psychology, 150(4), pp. 361–368.