WHISPERS IN THE HALLS OF ACADEMIA: THE COMPLEX ROLE OF GOSSIP AMONG ACADEMIC MANAGERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v22.n6.4005Keywords:
Gossip, Informal Communication, Gossiping Style, Rationale for Gossip, SetAbstract
This study investigates the presence and strategic use of gossip among academic managers at a public university in Turkey. Employing a phenomenological approach, data were collected from 25 academic staff members occupying various positions to explore their perceptions of managerial gossip behavior. Findings indicate that gossip is prevalent within the academic environment and that many managers do not merely engage in gossip passively but actively seek it for various purposes. The analysis reveals two central motivations behind managerial gossip: organizational/managerial interests and personal benefits. Moreover, managerial gossip practices were classified into two types: the “protective” style, which aims to preserve institutional relationships or individual positions, and the “embellishment” style, where information is exaggerated or enhanced for influence or persuasion. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by shedding light on the intentional and functional use of gossip in academic management, offering new insights into interpersonal dynamics in higher education institutions.
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