Effect of negative workplace gossips on workplace incivility: examining the role of emotional exhaustion and emotional intelligence

Purpose The purpose of this research is to investigate the association between negative workplace gossip (NWG) and workplace incivility (WI) with the moderating impact of emotional intelligence (EI) and the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion (EE) using the framework of Affective Event Theory (AET). Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional research design was used with structured questionnaire to obtain the data from 325 banking employees in Pakistan’s Gujranwala division using a multistage sampling technique. The data were examined by structural equational modelling using SPSS 21 and AMOS 21. Findings The empirical results showed that NWG has a positive effect on WI. EE partially mediated between NWG and WI and EI have an insignificant effect on the relationship of NWG and EE. Research limitations/implications This study has some practical implications for practitioners, and it gives explicit guidance to management that demonstrates the prevalence of NWG and WI. The management is encouraged to build a positive organizational culture, promote casual interaction and make it clear that negative gossips are not allowed. It is also helpful to know the causes of WI. Originality/value This study examines the novel linkage of NWG and WI. In a number of ways, it has added to the body of literature of organizational behaviour. While most studies have examined the effects of negative gossips, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by examining the causes of negative gossips.