Gossiping About the Supervisor: The Mediating Role of Follower Self-Esteem on the Relationship Between the Dark Triad Traits and Workplace Gossip

Gossiping About the Supervisor: The Mediating Role of Follower Self-Esteem on the Relationship Between the Dark Triad Traits and Workplace Gossip

Fred Settuba-Male Wantaate | 2019

Abstract

Although the dark triad traits and their work outcomes are of great importance to scholars and practitioners, there is a relative lack of research examining the possible mediating effect of follower self-esteem on the relationship between dark leadership and gossip in the workplace. The present study aimed to fill this research gap by empirically exploring the perceived relationship between leader dark triad traits and workplace gossip and examining the mediating role of follower self-esteem. The hypotheses were analyzed with data from a sample of 228 employees working for three Christian internationally based nongovernmental organizations located in Uganda. The results of the study failed to find support for the mediating effect of follower self-esteem on the relationship between perceived leader dark triad traits and workplace gossip. However, the results of the study revealed the existence of other possible mediating variables in the circumstances that impact the relationship between abusive leadership and gossip at work such as occupational tenure, workplace spirituality, getting along and getting ahead behavior strategies, and the national culture. The results opened possible gaps for future research, and they provide critical insight into the leader and follower personality interaction and the resultant workplace outcomes.