Never mind the b******s, say boffins
NEVER LET IT BE SAID that academics don't live in the real world. A study carried out by the University of East Anglia claims that allowing staff to swear at work can benefit them and their employers.
What they somewhat coyly refer to as 'non-conventional and sometimes uncivil language' may have a positive impact, says the report. Regular use of profanity to express and reinforce solidarity among staff, enables them to 'express their feelings, such as frustration, and develop social relationships'.
Yehuda Baruch, professor of management at UEA, says the aim was to challenge leadership styles and suggest ideas for best practice.
"Employees use swearing on a continuous basis, but not necessarily in a negative, abusive manner. Swearing was as a social phenomenon to reflect solidarity and enhance group cohesiveness, or as a psychological phenomenon to release stress.
"Most of the cases were reported by employees at the lower levels of the organisational hierarchies and it was clear that executives use swearing language less frequently. The primary issue for management is whether or not to apply a tolerant leadership culture to the workplace and deliberately allow swearing."
So when the boss rolls up at half past ten this morning, be sure to let him know how you feel.
The INQuirer
PS: I always knew that !!!
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