To avoid CMV bias, we measured gossip (JRG, NJG) at Stage 1 and ECN at Stage 2.
Although the findings revealed that JRG predicted ECN, we could not ignore a possibility
of a reverse prediction that ECN predicts JRG, or ECN and gossip are interactive (see
rumour influence in DiFonzo & Bordia, 2007, Chapter 2). Perhaps, NJG offers a means of
revenge for cynical employees, especially in the aftermath of AS. Another issue to be
recognised is that this research did not measure the tenures of employees, age of
companies or manager – subordinate relationship. How these factors impact on the
occurrence of gossip and likelihood of ECN remains unclear and hence requires further
research.