Re: Gossip LO366

C. B. Willis (cbwillis@netcom.com)
Wed, 8 Mar 1995 19:57:43 -0800 (PST)

Replying to LO361 --

> Replying to LO350 --
>
> I would contend that it is impossible to talk about organizational
> learning without starting with gossip. Small talk in everyday encounters
> is how people and groups of people make sense of organizational issues and
> activities. That to me is learning. To suggest that organizations would
> learn better if gossip could somehow be exorcised is like saying that your
> car would run more quietly if you could just remove the engine. Besides,
> what is do bad about resistance? Isn't there a lot of wisdom in
> resistance?
>
> Mike Elmes
> mbelmes@wpi.edu

"Small talk" is a light, superficial level of conversation, not necessarily
secretive.

"Gossip" is derogatory conversation, normally behind the scenes, that carries
an element of secretiveness and some degree of hostility or ill will.

I'm unclear on what you see as "resistance" and how it fits here?

C.B. Willis
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