Organizational Gossip and Teachers: Threat or Opportunity?

Abstract

This research examines teachers' perceptions of gossip in schools. The research employed an explanatory approach of the mixed methods. Quantitative data were obtained through the "Organizational Gossip Scale," and qualitative data were obtained through the semi-structured interview form. Quantitative data were collected from 302 teachers selected by simple random sampling method in secondary schools in Mardin, Turkey. Qualitative data were collected from ten teachers chosen by the maximum variation sampling method. The results showed that gossip could be seen as an opportunity to have information in schools and develop relationships. Still, it can also be a threat in terms of organizational harm. As a conclusion, the significance of gossip in informal processes in schools was emphasized. Implications were made to practitioners and researchers that the threat aspect could be turned into an opportunity.