Cultivating Casual Conversations: How Inclusion Climate Drives Workplace Small Talk
Open Access
Author:
Doyle, Maya
Area of Honors:
Hospitality Management
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Michael J Tews, Jr., Thesis Supervisor Phillip Michael Jolly, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Inclusion Climate Small Talk
Abstract:
Small talk plays a powerful role in building interpersonal relationships and contributing to the overall performance and effectiveness of an organization. However, despite its importance, there is little research exploring the factors that facilitate small talk. To address this gap in the literature, this study examined the relationships between three dimensions of inclusion climate, namely (1) equitable employment practices, (2) integration of differences, and (3) inclusion in decision-making, and small talk engagement. Using a sample of 260 employees, I discovered that integration of differences is a strong driver of small talk, while equitable employment practices may potentially limit small talk participation. These findings highlight the importance of proactively establishing shared norms that encourage employees to be their authentic selves and respect others’ unique perspectives and experiences. These results also suggest that impression management can potentially play a part in individuals’ motivation to engage in small talk. This study reveals that certain dimensions of inclusion climate can be meaningful antecedents of small talk, emphasizing the need for organizations to cultivate environments where individual differences are integrated and valued.