(An Evaluation of Rumour and Gossip in Organizations in terms of Organizational Communication)

Abstract

Purpose – The study was conducted to investigate the concept of the rumour, gossip in organizations in context of formal communication system. The study which was conducted to investigate rumor, gossip ideas of employees, their purpose of use, when it occurred, which forms of management caused the rumor and gossip to increase, is examined under three headings. Concept of communication in first title, the concept of rumor, gossip in organizations in the second title, and an application in the last title are examined. Design/methodology/approach – This study which was conducted with intention of researching rumor, gossip in terms of organizational communication within organizations, was used in the interview method and is a qualitative research. Sample of study consists of fifteen blue collar, five white collar employees in an institution working in the automotive supply industry in Bursa. Findings and Discussion – As a conclusion, rumour and gossip from informal communication methods were used to cover the inadequacies of formal communication methods. Additionally, it has been observed it occurs during periods of increase in employee turnover rate, periods of economic difficulties, periods of increase in salary, and if it is not well managed, it increases the stress of the employees, but also leads to lack of focus, unease, and lack of motivation due to the rise of conflicts.