Re: Gossip LO385

Michael McMaster (Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk)
Sat, 11 Mar 1995 10:01:48 GMT

Replying to LO366 --

CB - thanks for bringing a breath of fresh air. Your definitions bring
some badly needed discipline to the conversation.
>
> "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.
>
Other operational definitions could be created but in the absence of this
being done and agreement reached, the dictionary offers a fine starting
point. I frequently go to the definitions and sources of words when they
recur in a blurry dialogue.

The view that I frequently work from when working with organisations or
teams is these _are_ networks of conversations. This approach provides
amazing freedom and flexibility. This approach calls for rigour in
distinguishing conversations. Even if you don't go this far,
conversations are a major part of the core activity of organisations and
lack of rigour with distinctions in the area of kinds of conversations
will leave you with blunt instruments at best.

The distinction between gossip and small talk will provide power in
analysis, intervention or just plain participation. A collapse of
distinction in this area will produce endless mischief - including
arguments about what gossip is and whether it is good or bad.

I repeat my postmodernist objection to "good or bad". Try on the
interpretation or point of view that everything is information and
therefor, of itself, neither good nor bad but merely more or less useful.

-- 
Mike McMaster      <Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk>
    "Postmodern society is the society of computers, information, scientific
knowledge, advanced technology, and rapid change due to new advances in
science and technology."          Postmodern Theory, Best & Kellner