ABSTRACT
This study was an investigation of the relationship between negative workplace gossip and organisational manifestations in the Nigerian heath sector. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the relationship between negative workplace gossip (NWG) and cynicism; to identify the relationship between negative workplace gossip (NWG) and emotional exhaustion; to examine the relationship between negative workplace gossip (NWG) and depersonalisation; and to investigate the relationship between negative workplace gossip and reduced personal accomplishment.
The population of the study consisted of all healthcare workers in Edo State, Nigeria. A sample size of three hundred and eighty two (382) was drawn from nine (9) purposively selected hospitals from the three senatorial districts in Edo State; Three hospitals (two public and one private) were selected from Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South senatorial district respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specifically, hypotheses were tested through regression analysis using the SPSS 20.0 version.
The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between negative workplace gossip and employee cynicism, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. On the basis of these findings we recommended, among others, that in addition to establishing effective communication channels, establishing and maintaining fair interaction so as to ensure employees’ dignity and respect, management should encourage social support and respect within and among work teams. This, we believe, will reduce the tendency to gossip among team members and increase camaraderie.
