Key Takeaways
- • A study by the University of Iowa and the University of New Mexico found that men who gossip about colleagues are perceived as less competent and less likely to be seen as leadership material than women engaging in the same behavior, across three studies of students and working Americans.
- • Researcher Trevor Spoelma, associate professor at the University of Iowa, told Fortune that men are judged much more harshly for gossiping, which the researchers attribute to gender stereotypes.
- • Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, says he prefers to walk away when he hears gossip, stating in 2024 that "It never leads to anything good."
- • Dave Ramsey, whose company Ramsey Solutions lists avoiding gossip among its 14 core values, warns that he will fire employees for gossiping.
Summary
A study by the University of Iowa and the University of New Mexico finds that men who gossip about colleagues behind their backs risk damaging their careers more than women who do the same. Across three studies involving students and working Americans, people who gossiped received lower ratings for professional qualities, but men faced a notably harsher reaction. Trevor Spoelma, an associate professor at the University of Iowa, told Fortune that "Men are judged much more harshly for gossiping."
The researchers attribute the disparity to gender stereotypes. Women's gossip has historically been viewed as relatively commonplace, while men are expected to behave differently, leaving male colleagues who talk about others more exposed to criticism.
The article notes that gossip is not always malicious. It ranges from criticism of someone's work and spreading unflattering stories to harmless conversation that helps employees feel part of a team. In remote and hybrid work settings, such informal communication can be an important way for colleagues to bond.
Several prominent business leaders take a firmer stance. Richard Branson, billionaire founder of Virgin Group, has said he prefers to simply walk away when he hears gossip, stating in 2024 that "It never leads to anything good." Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has urged people not to discuss colleagues behind their backs, advising that employees with genuine mistakes be addressed directly rather than subjected to rumor.
Dave Ramsey takes the hardest line. At Ramsey Solutions, avoiding gossip is one of the company's 14 core values. Ramsey warned, "I will fire you for gossiping. I have done it before, and I will do it again." He directs workplace grievances to managers who can resolve them, and under his rules, discussing grievances with colleagues can cost an employee their job.
The researchers attribute the disparity to gender stereotypes. Women's gossip has historically been viewed as relatively commonplace, while men are expected to behave differently, leaving male colleagues who talk about others more exposed to criticism.
The article notes that gossip is not always malicious. It ranges from criticism of someone's work and spreading unflattering stories to harmless conversation that helps employees feel part of a team. In remote and hybrid work settings, such informal communication can be an important way for colleagues to bond.
Several prominent business leaders take a firmer stance. Richard Branson, billionaire founder of Virgin Group, has said he prefers to simply walk away when he hears gossip, stating in 2024 that "It never leads to anything good." Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, has urged people not to discuss colleagues behind their backs, advising that employees with genuine mistakes be addressed directly rather than subjected to rumor.
Dave Ramsey takes the hardest line. At Ramsey Solutions, avoiding gossip is one of the company's 14 core values. Ramsey warned, "I will fire you for gossiping. I have done it before, and I will do it again." He directs workplace grievances to managers who can resolve them, and under his rules, discussing grievances with colleagues can cost an employee their job.
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