Research: Boss swearing affects employee motivation

Research from a study of 5,660 employees in 19 countries found that overall, employees were less satisfied with supervisors who frequently used profanity.

Employees with psychopathic and Machiavellian personality traits reported greater satisfaction with leaders as profanity increased, viewing swearing as genuine and confident.

Employees with narcissistic traits were indifferent to leader swearing, with their satisfaction levels unchanged.

In countries with higher income equality like Sweden and Austria, personality differences in reaction to swearing were more pronounced, while in more unequal countries like South Africa and Mexico, reactions were uniformly negative.

In unequal societies, leader swearing is more likely seen as a display of dominance rather than friendliness or authenticity.