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In a typical business district in a typical town, deep within the walls of a cubicle farm, one employee affably calls another a four-letter word. Another responds with an "F-bomb," as the self-censoring kids call it these days. Phrases that would make the FCC blush bounce back and forth between the walls of the world's companies, and it's surprisingly good for business.

According to a recent study by researchers in the U.K., regular swearing among employees can "boost team spirit" among co-workers, allow for better self-expression, and form social bonds. While using taboo words in front of customers or senior management should remain frowned upon, an enforced moratorium on swear words can have negative impacts on morale and motivation, the research suggests. Such rules could also drive a wedge between the leaders making these rules and their support staff.

According to Agence France-Presse, Yehuda Baruch -- professor of management at the University of East Anglia in England -- hopes that "this study will serve not only to acknowledge the part that swearing plays in our work and our lives, but also to indicate that leaders sometimes need to think differently and be open to intriguing ideas ... the challenge [for managers] is to master the art of knowing when to turn a blind eye to communication that does not meet their own standards."

The full contents of the study -- Swearing at work and permissive leadership culture: when anti-social becomes social and incivility is acceptable -- is printed in the latest issue of the Leadership and Organizational Development Journal. Seek out a copy if you are interested in further details. Frankly, I don't give a damn.

Beth Gaston Moon is an analyst at Schaeffer's Investment Research.

Looking for better morale? [Eff] You! originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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