Did You Really Just Say That? A Good Guide to Swearing at Work

In some workplaces, foul language seems to spew forth from people nonstop. In others, the slightest off-color remark would turn heads and raise eyebrows with astonishment. Given these differences, how should we think about swearing at work? And what research might help guide us? We discuss:

- An introduction to ways to think about swearing at work

- A survey of some of the research on swearing at work

- Implications for people, leaders, and organizations

Links and Other Information

Baruch, Y., Prouska, R., Ollier-Malaterre, A., & Bunk, J. (2017). Swearing at work: the mixed outcomes of profanity. Journal of Managerial Psychology. Click here

Baruch, Y., & Jenkins, S. (2007). Swearing at work and permissive leadership culture: When anti‐social becomes social and incivility is acceptable. Leadership & Organization Development Journal. Click here

Johnson, D. I., & Lewis, N. (2010). Perceptions of swearing in the work setting: An expectancy violations theory perspective. Communication Reports, 23(2), 106-118. Click here

Pinker, Steven. The Stuff of Thought: Language As a Window into Human Nature. New York: Viking, 2007.

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