This is just crazy to me...it was said they were talking about it over there lunch break, not in the office...what do u think? does this fall under freedom of speech?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070523/ap_on_re_us/fired_for_gossip;_ylt=AoJ.VXq4Kjwb7NT1k4B729zMWM0F
2007-05-23 06:36:34 · 12 answers · asked by Redd 3 in News & Events ➔ Media & Journalism
Of course not. No one should be fired for gossiping. The boss in that case overstepped his bounds by firing those ladies. He didn't like the fact that they were talking about his relationship with one of his employees. If anybody should be fired, maybe it should be him. I hope those ladies get their jobs back, and I hope that boss is charged with a crime for illegally firing them in the first place. Now THAT would be justice. ....... If people were fired for gossiping, that would make up about 99% of the population if we were to be honest. I can't believe all the goody two shoes people posting answers to this question. Most of the time, gossip is harmless. Yes, it can be hurtful and evil, but most of the time, it isn't. Come on, lighten up. The boss got caught with his pants down and took revenge. That's what this is about.
2007-05-23 07:22:55 · answer #1 · answered by cynthiajean222 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
In small Communities gossiping is like an Olympic Sporting
Event!
I have seen and heard some people destroy the credibility of others with GOSSIP.
It is harmful.
Some consider it to be just a pastime but people lives and livelihoods can be adversely affected by the loose lips of a few mean spirited people . Especially in a small town such as this one.
I have seen it happen!!
So should these women of been fired ? I would have to leave that up to the discretion of the man they caused harm to.
And make No mistake a rumor about infidelity in a small town is considered fact to the towns folk so his wife probably felt like sh*t.
And Freedom of Speech does not cover slander nor does it come without consequences.
2007-05-23 06:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by lightwriter 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depends on what you say. There are certainly inappropriate things that should not be said, even if you are outside the office. By this I mean things that could impact the business or environment of the place of employment in question. Ultimately, however, you are not actually being fired for gossiping, but rather for the creation of the bad environment or harm to the business. Based on this case, it is difficult to say whether or not it was right or not, because the article really only presents on side.
2007-05-23 06:46:32 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't know if "Free Speech" applies to the workplace, but I would think that lunchbreak would be a time you during which you should be able to say whatever you want.
That said, I think gossip is purely a waste of everyone's time and energy and can be very destructive, especially when the gossip is untrue. And, as a woman, I personally hate to see a man stoop to gossip. It's a tremendous character flaw. Should it be punished during working hours on site? Yes! Because it undermines the moral and positive character of any work environment.
2007-05-23 06:47:52 · answer #4 · answered by Zelda Hunter 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I heard about this on the morning news. Gossiping, can cause others pain and ruined reputations, but it is freedom of speach tosay them. You ladys that got the ax over this, were singled out for some reason. any one hurt by gossip, shuld hunt down the sourse, and have a talk with said person that it originated from, and talk out a solution.
Wake Up America, which one of your freedoms will be trampled next???
2007-05-23 06:45:26 · answer #5 · answered by duster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it falls under free speech, unless they are over heard saying something that is slanderous etc. Some people have no life of their own so they feel free to get involved in other peoples lives. I think that getting fired for gossip is a bit drastic
2007-05-23 06:43:00 · answer #6 · answered by Willy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech, is NOT freedom from consequences.
You're free to say what you want, but the damage that speech causes could result in consequences for the person saying it.
Gossip can result in creating a poisoned workplace for someone, making it overly stressful for them to do their job.
Gossip is usually on the slanderous side anyway, and usually not full of facts.
2007-05-23 06:46:13 · answer #7 · answered by gromit801 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
But... talking about someone's sex life is a form of sexual harrassment. (Even if it's true). Sexual harassment isn't a protected form of speech.
Plus - let's say you and a bunch of other girls were sitting around on your break talking about how damn crazy stupid and lazy your boss is. Think he could fire you? Yes indeed he could.
Basically, what they were doing by gossiping was undermining the efforts of their boss, and lowering morale in the office.
On the positive side - they now have TONS of time to sit around and run their mouths about everyone else's buisness.
2007-05-23 06:46:14 · answer #8 · answered by kelannde 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
YES.
Great minds exchange ideas.
Average minds discuss events
Small minds GOSSIP about PEOPLE
Office gossip can be vicious and lead to unhappiness in the workplace.
I agree with the town... those gossiping busy bodies needed to be fired... and good riddance.
2007-05-23 06:43:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
i could understand that it would be legitimate if the boss is rubbing it in there faces but you need to realize that it not only makes you look ficle it makes you look like you dont care about your job and dont care if the boss finds out...it is just like your parents used to be... the boss has little birdies that find out all of the dirt on you
2007-05-23 06:44:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋