Tools for Dealing with Conspiracy Theories in the Workplace The authors concluded, “Misinformation fueled by rumors, stigma, and conspiracy theories can have potentially serious implications on the individual and community if prioritized over evidence-based guidelines.” The volume and speed at which conspiracy theories spread, along with their scope and impact, is hard to appreciate. Nichols contends that despite a person’s hard-earned expertise, many forces have left us with conversations where “my opinion is as good as your opinion.” One study on reports of rumors, stigma, and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 found that 82 percent of the 2,276 claims were false. Naval War College, argues that society is vulnerable to an intensifying interest in CTs when it ignores experts. Tom Nichols, author of the “Death of Expertise” and professor of public policy at the U.S. The deterioration in individuals’ ability to engage in rational, coherent, and respectful dialogue about differences puts organizations at risk. Conspiracy Theories as an Emerging Threat This article aims to equip leaders with tools to recognize and prevent the spread of CTs in their organizations, and to intervene swiftly if/when they do arise. On the flip side, organizations are more likely to keep employees engaged if managers are vigilant towards corruption, demonstrate transparency, and hold power-holders accountable. Research in the British Journal of Psychology shows that conspiracy theories in the workplace may demonstrate an employee’s feelings about the company with lower commitment and job satisfaction and a greater readiness to leave. In writing this article, we “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” We put aside our political differences because our research shows that “conspiratorial thought is not correlated with partisanship.” People with different political affiliations “are equally likely to accept conspiracy theories that denigrate their rivals.” While our views differ, we share a growing mutual concern: organizations that ignore CTs’ impact in the workplace may be unprepared for very real challenges. We have significant differences of opinion about political “facts” and their interpretation. We, the authors, carry two different social and political perspectives one of us tends to see political issues through a conservative lens the other, progressive. “Managers and employees should be careful not to dismiss conspiracy theorizing as harmless rumors and gossip.”
Conspiracy theories can show up in benign ways, such as Jane is pregnant and in more severe forms such as talking about a perceived injustice, such as the real reason for that recent promotion.
Researchers found that conspiracy theorists often distrust authority and focus more on their interests they will deceive others to achieve their own goals. Even in workplaces where the vast majority of employees have similar political beliefs, conspiratorial mindsets can present challenges for companies.