A Field Exploration of Informal Workplace Communication - Sociology Mind

SM > Vol.1 No.4, October 2011

Sociology Mind

Volume 1, Issue 4 (October 2011)

ISSN Print: 2160-083X ISSN Online: 2160-0848

Google-based Impact Factor: 0.30 Citations

A Field Exploration of Informal Workplace Communication ()

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Download as PDF (Size: 88KB) PP. 212-220

DOI: 10.4236/sm.2011.14027 9,048 Downloads 17,643 Views Citations

Author(s)

Bruce Fortado

Affiliation(s)

ABSTRACT

Two views of informal communication are developed for purposes of comparison. Multiple incidents from two US companies are described based on fieldwork. In both cases, managerial efforts were made to quell gossip. Paradoxically, the versions multiplied at the first site and a gossip spiral occurred at the second. Our inductive analysis reveals the shortcomings of the existing “best practices” and simple theories. Notably, in both cases certain aspects of informal employee organization were more functional than some of the formal practices were. Due to the complex nature of these social situations, great care must be taken in evaluating them and charting a course.

KEYWORDS

Grapevine; Informal Communication; Informal Organization; Rumor; Resistance

Share and Cite:

Fortado, B. (2011). A Field Exploration of Informal Workplace Communication. Sociology Mind, 1, 212-220. doi: 10.4236/sm.2011.14027.

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