EFFECT OF WORKPLACE GOSSIP ON WORK-RELATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

The concern of this study is to investigate the effect of workplace gossip on work relations and organizational performance. Survey method, which employed closed ended questionnaire, was used to gather information from purposive selected participants. The data collected from the sample were analysed using simple percentage and presented in graph, area, and charts. The study reveals that
workplace gossip is prevalent among female workers. The study shows that poor communication system, management/leadership style, idleness and inadequate responsibilities breeds workplace gossip. It further shows that workplace gossip affect work relations, information dissemination and the overall performance of formal organizations. The paper recommended policy option among others as panacea for addressing the sources and the negative effect of workplace gossip on work relations and organizational performance.