Why a Workplace Culture That Allows Gossip & Criticism Leads to Low Morale & Productivity
Pointing out worker mistakes and seeking to correct them can be necessary to reduce defects and other problems. Also, socializing at work can build lines of communication and teamwork. However, taken to an extreme, gossip and criticism also can negatively affect productivity and morale.
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Impact of Gossip on Morale
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Gossip can cause employees to distrust one another, decreasing their effectiveness working in groups. Vivian Scott details in "Conflict Resolution at Work for Dummies" how gossip results in lack of trusted communications even with team members not involved in the gossip. According to Marsha Petrie Sue in her book "The Reactor Factor," gossip can create social strife, as those who claim to have information gain influence or "pseudo-authority" unrelated to the job hierarchy.
Impact of Criticism on Morale
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Criticism can be constructive. Unfortunately, criticism can escalate into verbal abuse. The book "Work in the 21st Century," refers to this as destructive criticism, which hurts employee morale.
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Impact of Gossip on Productivity
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Time spent gossiping is time that is not spent working. Worrying about gossip or listening to it while working slows down the pace of work, thereby decreasing productivity.
Impact of Criticism on Productivity
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Joseph Blasé, in his book "Handbook of Instructional Leadership," details how criticism increases stress. This can come from the negative attitudes generated by endless criticism or autocratic management styles. The stress can then lead to more mistakes, harming quality and output.
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