Gossip in a Group’s Life: Gossip Functions During Different Stages of Group Development

Abstract

We identified three key limitations in the gossip literature, especially as it pertains to workgroups—fragmented approach to examining the phenomenon, overwhelming focus on the negative connotations, and little attention to the temporal dynamics involved. We argue that considering the changing role of gossip across the stages of a group's development can help address some of these limitations. Specifically, we draw on social identity and self-categorization theories to develop a conceptual framework to highlight the configurations of gossip functions that can lead to more beneficial (rather than harmful) outcomes at each stage of a group's development. We also discuss the role of a hitherto underexamined function of gossip—status enhancement of a group vis-à-vis outgroups. Through our framework, we contribute to both gossip and group development literatures. Practically, our framework indicates how managers in organizations can channel gossip to help groups at different life cycle stages.