How to Deal with Rumors and Gossip in Public Life: A Sociological Approach

This book provides a sociological guide on how to deal with rumors and gossip in business and public life. It explains the nature and social functions of rumors and gossip in various social settings, particularly in business organizations, and provides some critical advice on how to deal with unverified information in face-to-face and digital social interactions. Rumors and gossip do not only destroy people's reputation and honor but also kill people literally through depression and suicide. Thus, rumors and gossip, especially the persistent ones, when not properly handled and avoided by people, can become “weapons of mass destruction” that destroy relationships, communities, and empires. This book is, therefore, a must read to students, teachers, parents, managers, and to all people who are affected in one way or another by rumors and gossip in corporate and everyday life.