An overview of the social functions of gossip in the hospitals

Abstract

This article deals with the functions of gossip in society and institutional environments. According to available literature, the functions of gossip in society can be divided in to four major areas including information, entertainment, friendship or intimacy, and penetration. Among organizational employees such as hospital nurses, gossiping has positive and negative results at both the individual and organizational levels. Thus, nurses can reduce their stress and anxiety at their workplace through involving in environmental gossip. Meanwhile, uncontrolled or negative gossip can be harmful for organizational interests.