• Boqiang Zong, Lihua Zhang, Xixi Chu, and Jinzhao Qu.
• Department of Human Resource Management, School of Labor and Human Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China.
• Psych J. 2021 Oct 1; 10 (5): 767-776.

AbstractResearchers have been interested in discussing negative workplace gossip and its consequences, but have paid little attention to positive workplace gossip and its positive aspects in the workplace. Based on the perspective of social network, this study explores the two-path mediating mechanisms between positive workplace gossip and the socialization outcomes of newcomers. The data were collected in a multitime and multisource manner. The results show that information ties and friendship ties mediated the relationship between positive workplace gossip and the socialization outcomes of newcomers. Specifically, positive workplace gossip helped newcomers form instrumental and expressive social relationships (viz., informational ties and friendship ties), which in turn contributed to socialization outcomes (viz., role clarity and social integration). Theoretical and management implications are discussed as well.© 2021 The Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

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