Dealing With Negative Workplace Gossip: From the Perspective of Face

Frontiers in Psychology

Shiyong Xu¹  Lihua Zhang²  Boqiang Zong²  Jinzhao Qu² 

[1] Center for Human Resource Development and Assessment, School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China;Department of Human Resource Management, School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China;

关键词: negative workplace gossip;    gossip;    face;    self-monitoring;    affective events theory;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.629376

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

In this study, we investigate the coping response of individuals who are being gossiped about. Drawing on face research and affective events theory, we propose that employees who are targets of negative gossip will actively respond to the gossip about them via engagement in negative gossip themselves. The findings showed that negative workplace gossip stimulated fear of losing face and led to subsequent behavioral responses, namely, engaging in negative gossip. Moreover, self-monitoring, as a moderating mechanism, mitigated the negative impacts of negative workplace gossip on the targets. We discuss theoretical implications for gossip research and note its important practical implications.

【 授权许可】

CC BY