The contest between sensibility and rationality: a study on the influence of negative workplace gossip on work engagement

Purpose Based on the cognitive-affective system theory of personality and social information processing theory, the purpose of this study is to explore the “double-edged sword” mechanism and boundary conditions of Negative workplace gossip on employees’ rumination. Specifically, this study focuses on two psychological states: affective rumination and problem-solving pondering. Design/methodology/approach Through analyzing a sample of 359 employees, this paper explores the empirical relationship between negative workplace gossip, affective rumination, problem-solving pondering and work engagement. Findings The results of this study show that: negative workplace gossip has a negative impact on work engagement; this impact is mediated by affective rumination; this impact is mediated by problem-solving pondering; proactive personality positively moderates the relationship between negative workplace gossip and affective rumination; and proactive personality moderates the relationship between negative workplace gossip and problem-solving pondering. Originality/value These findings reveal the dual paths through which negative workplace gossip impacts work engagement. Based on these conclusions, this study suggests that managers should put priority on addressing negative workplace gossip, encourage employees to engage in problem-solving pondering and prevent them from getting trapped in affective rumination, ultimately mitigating the negative effects of negative workplace gossip.