My job sucks: Examining counterinstitutional web sites as locations for organizational member voice

Gosset, L. (2006). My job sucks: Examining counterinstitutional web sites as locations for organizational member voice, dissent, and resistance. Management Communication Quarterly, 20, 63-90.

Summary

This article looks at counterinstitutional websites as both a source of dissent and resistance against organizations as well as opportunities for organizations to engage with their employees and other publics that may participate in such sites. At a basic level these type of counterinstitutional sites provide a space for interested parties to vent their opinions in a way and in a place they might not otherwise not have the opportunity to do within their organizations. In effect, these sites blur the boundaries between company insiders and outsiders because of the anonymity they afford. While these sites do have the potential to do reputational and brand damage, they also offer an opportunity for organizations to engage with their publics and stakeholders to gain valuable feedback about their products and/or operations. If organizations make a concerted to engage with these sites, it can be in their best interest for no other reason that they may be able to address a brewing situation before it becomes and open act of defiance, rebellion, or boycott.

Experience

My experience with counterinstitutional websites is more personal. I will often consult them to get information what a company or group culture is like as well as salary information to get an understanding of my value in the workplace. I don’t engage in venting on sites like those because I don’t believe it’s productive and that feedback is better provided in person or directly to an organization or individual.

KEYWORDS: Counterinstitutional, blur boundaries, dissent, resistance, opportunity