Rumors in modern organizations: functions, consequences and attitudes of russian employees

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of rumors as a social communication and an integral part of modern organizational processes. The relevance of the topic attributed to the acceleration of information flows in the post-industrial era, where rumors are becoming a resource for strategic and tactical management, contributing to the formation of organizational legends, brands and innovations. In the context of Russian specifics, characterized by a high degree of informal ties and a low level of trust in official sources, rumors acquire special importance, often becoming a mechanism for adapting to uncertainty. The author has carried out a comprehensive analysis of the functions of rumors, which allows us to show their ambivalent nature, on the one hand, the potential for filling information gaps, team cohesion, anti–stress functions, on the other - the possible destructive consequences of their spread in organizations (increased conflict, increased stress and decreased productivity).

Based on a comprehensive analysis of secondary data (wave and specialized surveys of SuperJob, surveys of Russian employers, etc.) revealed trends in changing attitudes towards rumors among employees of Russian organizations, showed the directions of integration of this type of informal communication in solving organizational problems. It is emphasized that in modern Russian conditions, rumors are often associated with abusive behavior and chronic stress, which contributes to burnout and staff turnover.

The author strives to integrate the theoretical framework of the study of rumors with practical aspects of organizational behavior, emphasizing the need for a balance between control and the use of rumors to improve the effectiveness of modern organizations. The article promotes the development of practical tools for the sustainable management of informal communications, the harmonization of work processes and social well-being in the age of digitalization, offering recommendations for HR specialists.

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