We have all been through the four obligatory modules of "Prepare to Success" before entering our internship.
We were briefed on how unethical, cheap and not-at-all professional it is to participate in office gossiping or any similar activities.
May be some of us have adhere to reject or even condemn this kind of behavior.
But the truth is- it is a whole different thing in the real world.
A little "social debate" about the office rumors has never killed anyone, has it? And what is better to bond with others than by cutting us out as a sub group while criticizing the "dominant" members of the major group?
This is actually NOT a piece of evidence claiming that I have proliferated any kind of rumors or even merely participated in any form of downgrading gossips.
It's only a reflection about what the goal behind a little extracurricular talk is or how these conversations interferes with our moral values or professional etiquette.
First of all, let's face it.
In the working world, we spend more time around our colleagues in one week, than with our friends and family.
We start feeling at ease enough to share our thoughts, especially about others.
I think that if sharing these thoughts can bring people together and ease the daily routine, then no harm can be caused. As long as, of course, limits of defamation are not prosecuted or the quality of work is not jeopardized. The main focus remains on communicating, regardless of the subject matter. After all, Public Relations is (subjectively) about people and networking.
What do you all think? Have you encountered any situations like this- where you have to remember to stay professional while your inner soul is crying "why do this guy always has to wear such awful ties" or "oh she should apply some make up in the morning"?
I know, this is rude. But it is those kind of thoughts that pop-up and that we quickly shake off our head because they mess up with our own principles.
And this is NOT because I'm a girl.
You will be surprised to know the number of guys that "gossip" too. It's only that girls tend to do it for networking purposes while boys do not do it overtly.
Believe me, FACTS.
Let me know what you think. All comments are constructive, at least to a certain extent.
Wendy
1 comment:
Hi Wendy,
This is quite an interesting blog post. I think compartmentalization in life is very important. I can understand how unprofessional it is to gossip at the office and to some degree I agree that companies would discourage it. Gossiping may create some hostility amongst workers and impact on internal relations. Considering that the latter is an important part in public relations, upholding a professional etiquette will allow for better relations inside the organisation. On the other hand, I do agree that voicing out our opinions and concerns is important in an organisation. Employees need to feel that they are free to say what they want, as long as it is not disrespectful or not politically correct.
Stacey.
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