More than idle talk: Examining the effects of positive and negative team gossip

Supported by meta-analytic evidence, the general consensus in teams literature is that more a team communicates, better. However, one type of communication appears at odds with this view gossip—a behavior traditionally viewed as harmful organizations. We propose way to uncover potential benefits gossip focus on valence (positive or negative nature) gossip. Drawing expectancy theory, we indirectly influences performance through social loafing because it plays key role shaping beliefs about effort contexts; effects determined valence. hypothesize positive decreases loafing, whereas increases it. In turn, expect has indirect effect performance, effect. test these predictions sample 63 self-managing teams. find support for our regarding but not Our findings point and highlight why efforts abolish organizations may impair performance.