An office full of women is a noisy place! Now, before you think I’m bad-mouthing my feminine kin, let me share with you some research findings.
Women tend to spend more time talking than men do. And we often spend a chunk of that time gossiping. Not to say that men don’t, but women are pretty good at regaling each other with the rumors about that Jane is doing or what Bob is up to or, better yet, what Jane and Bob are up to together!
But this nattering serves a very important function.
According to social psychologists, gossiping is a way for people to evaluate the opinions, beliefs and standards of those around them. It creates social structure – cliques are formed, alliances forged and morale established. Individuals reinforce boundaries for themselves and others while gossiping.
Now, I’m not saying that all these outcomes are good or even that excessive gossiping should be condoned. But it will happen.
Action – So knowing its social purpose gives managers and supervisors a framework from which they can understand why it happens.