Researchers are saying that gossip can potentially help those who engage in it, reports the New York Times. Several studies have suggested that gossip can create important bonds between groups, promote feelings of security and confidence, and relate useful information.
In one study, a researcher asked a group of 159 men and women to indicate their approval or disapproval of a scenario in which a rancher gossiped to other ranchers about a neighbor who failed to fix a fence, leaving his cattle to wander on others' property. The group overwhelmingly approved of the gossip because it served to inform others of a potential threat resulting from the meandering cattle.
Researchers also noted that gossip can serve to reinforce your position in an organization. For example, if you hear that a colleague is having trouble keeping up with his work load, which you know to be an amount similar to your own, you might feel reassured that your performance is above par. Learning that a co-worker is struggling with a task that you carry out with ease may also serve to boost your confidence, giving you some valuable insight into how your performance may be viewed within the company.
Gossip for Business Management Professionals
Gossip of course isn't just for bottom-level employees. Inside information can be critical for business management professionals too. You might learn from a subordinate that the micromanaging style of one of your mid-level managers is negatively affecting morale and productivity of your staff. You might also learn of upper management's plans to make budget cuts in your department. Using this information to your advantage can give you time to address or prevent problems, giving you an edge over others not plugged into the gossip network.In short, being in the know can be a good thing, serving to equip you with important information you might not otherwise learn if you're not willing to mind the business of others.
Sources:
The New York Times
