Rumor psychology : social and organizational approaches /

DiFonzo (psychology, Rochester Institute of Technology) and Bordia (management, Univ. of South Australia) have created a focused, useful review of the empirical research on the psychology of rumor in organizations. The layout and coverage of the book are excellent. An outstanding introductory chapter defines and delineates the construct of rumor; subsequent chapters present empirical research on rumor spread, belief in rumors, rumor accuracy, and rumor management. A final chapter presents the authors' model of rumors and a comprehensive set of suggestions for future research. The authors are recognized researchers in the fields, and they have solid backgrounds in social-psychological and management research. Although they present a wide range of research studies, they focus on several of their own studies and these give the book a strong organizational/management flavor. Reading at the level of the Annual Review of Psychology, this is a book for empirical researchers and practitioners of psychology and/or business. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals. W. A. Ashton CUNY York College