Negative workplace gossip and organizational citizenship behavior in the Chinese kindergarten teaching workforce: exploring interpersonal trust as a mediator

Introduction: While the empirical connection between negative workplace gossip and organizational citizenship behavior has been extensively documented, the psychological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain insufficiently explored, particularly among Chinese kindergarten teachers. Based on social exchange theory, this study examines the association between negative workplace gossip and organizational citizenship behavior among Chinese kindergarten teachers, along with the mediating effect of interpersonal trust in this pathway. Methods: This cross-sectional survey employed a convenience sampling method to collect self-reported data on negative workplace gossip, organizational citizenship behavior, and interpersonal trust from 1,423 kindergarten teachers in China. Statistical analyses were carried out using Model 4 of the PROCESS macro (Version 4.1) in SPSS 29.0, with indirect effects evaluated by means of bias-corrected bootstrapping (5,000 resamples). Results: Results reveal that negative workplace gossip is negatively associated with organizational citizenship behavior, and interpersonal trust partially mediates this pathway. Discussion: This study extends the application of social exchange theory to the field of early childhood education, enriches the academic literature on workplace gossip and organizational citizenship behavior, and offers theoretical implications for promoting positive workplace behaviors among Chinese kindergarten teachers.