GOSSIP AS SOCIAL EXCHANGE IN NETWORKS

This thesis is about gossip. This concept is understood as a conversation between two or more individuals about absent third parties (i.e., behind their backs). Gossip has not been free of controversy. In fact, it has been condemned and considered an undesirable activity by various groups and communities because it fails to follow some basic social norms, such as solidarity. However, socialization through gossip has been compared to grooming in primates. Not only does gossip allow individuals to share information, but these conversations have been shown to have several social functions. One problem with the literature on gossip is the lack of a common framework and definition of the concept. In this dissertation, we use social exchange theory for two main purposes. First, as a way to understand the social functions of gossip. Second, as a mean to clarify the more recent developments of the goal-framing theory of gossip. These approaches provide a better way to understand the definition of gossip. Similarly, they allow for potential explanations for its use. In three empirical chapters, we used social network analysis methods to study gossip networks in organizations. In the first two, we focused on the association of the gossip networks between senders and receivers and their cooperation and affective relationship networks. In the third, we focused on the same associations, but between their senders and targets. Our findings provide empirical support that gossip can be useful to consolidate instrumental and affective relationships between those who share it. Similarly, we found that instrumental relationships do not prevent individuals from gossiping about those with whom they must cooperate. These results suggest that gossip can be used as a social bonding and control mechanisms in small groups. Similarly, we found that individuals are less likely to gossip about those with whom they feel affectively connected. These findings also suggest that the use of gossip is not necessarily detrimental to organizations, given that individuals can also benefit from it by providing opportunities to form and strengthen positive relationships in these environments.