The effects of message direction and sex differences on the interpretation of workplace gossip

Gossip occurs in the organization and individuals exposed to these gossip messages must decide how to interpret the gossip. This dissertation explains the definitions and research for gossip, message direction, sex differences, message interpretation, politicalism, and believability. Applying symbolic interactionism and social exchange theory, seven relationships between variables are proposed. The seven hypotheses are tested via a web-based questionnaire that manipulated the message direction and sex of the gossiper and gossip receiver. Two hundred seventy-six full time employees completed instruments measuring gossip believability, purpose, and politicalism. Data were subjected to a MANCOVA, and correlation statistics. Results supported three of the seven hypotheses. Specifically, message direction and sex of the receiver influenced gossip interpretation. Data confirmed a predicted negative relationship between believability and politicalism. Interpretations of results, limitations, implications, and directions for future research are included.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Speech and Rhetorical Studies

Grantor

Speech Communication

Year dc:date.available

2003

Author dc:creator

• Berkos, Kristen Marie

• perception of individual politics
• upward communication
• downward communication
• gossip purpose scale
• organizational communication
• horizontal communication

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Identifier

etd-0606103-074108
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/1431

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.lsu.edu:gradschool_dissertations-2430