While the problem of urban street gangs is well documented, less so is the rise of office gangs.
According the US Bureau of Documented Statistics, these gangs have formed at over 12,000 companies across the country. Averaging six to nine members each, they can prove harmful to a business’s morale and bottom line.
“Gangs are made up of loners, people looking to fit in, cost accountants,” says business behaviorist Merrill Pandor of Moline University. “They’re looking for companionship and camaraderie outside the usual task forces and planning sessions.”
Unlike their street counterparts – which often engage in activities like drug trafficking, robbery, even murder – office gangs tend toward less violent deeds.
“They’re hesitant to break the law,” says Pandor, “because it would show up in their personnel files and affect future promotions.”
Some of the most common gang related activities include:
- Approaching people from behind, tapping them on the shoulder, and running away
- Staking out their turf – most often at the coffee maker – but rarely defending it if a non-gang member encroaches
- Sneezing repeatedly during brainstorming sessions
- Hacking into co-workers computers and changing the color codes on their timelines
- Gathering in the lobby and loudly singing TV show theme songs
According to Pandor, companies have spent billions trying to rid themselves of the gangs. He believe this is a waste of their money.
“If you just tell them to stop it or face disciplinary action,” he says, “they’ll usually disband on the spot”
