I Heard it Through the Grapevine: How Organizational Rumors Impact Interpersonal Relationships FTF and via CMC

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Interpersonal Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This study investigated organizational rumors’ impact on interpersonal relationships, channel choice for spreading rumors, sensemaking processes during the rumor event and the impact organizational status has on perceptions of rumor spreaders. One-hundred and sixty-five sorority and fraternity members, from a large central Southwestern university were recruited to provide retrospective accounts of their experiences with rumors spread in their Greek life organizations. Participants reported that rumors were most frequently spread via face-to-face interactions, followed by text messaging, social networking sites, and other media. Results also showed when rumor spreaders hold a position within the organization, the rumor negatively impacts the participants’ relationship with the rumor spreader more than when the rumor spreader held no organizational leadership position. Truthfulness of the rumor was significantly related to participants’ perceptions of the rumor spreaders’ credibility, but sensemaking and anxiety did not impact credibility.

Authors

• Stacie Wilson Mumpower, U of Oklahoma

• Megan Bassick, University of Oklahoma

• Eryn Nichole Bostwick, U of Oklahoma