Title: Gossiping about the supervisor: the mediating role of follower self-esteem on the relationship between the dark triad traits and workplace gossip

Authors: Fred Wantante Settuba-Male

Addresses: Uganda Christian University, Bishop Road, P.O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda

Abstract: Previous studies have shown that negative gossip may be a coping mechanism for toxic leadership. However, 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 aims to fill this research gap by empirically exploring the perceived relationship between a leader's dark triad traits and workplace gossip and examining the mediating role of follower self-esteem. The hypotheses were analysed with data from 228 employees working for three Ugandan Christian internationally-based non-governmental organisations. The results opened potential gaps for future research, and they provide critical insight into the leader-follower personality interaction and the resultant workplace outcomes. One practical implication is an increased focus on assessing dark triad personality traits when conducting job-fit assessments to make better hiring decisions

Keywords: negative gossip; dark triad traits; leadership; self-esteem.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMD.2023.135730

International Journal of Management Development, 2023 Vol.2 No.4, pp.281 - 316

Received: 07 Nov 2022
Accepted: 24 May 2023
Published online: 03 Jan 2024 *

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