RT Article
T1 The Effects of Euphemism Usage in Business Contexts
JF Journal of business ethics
VO 137
IS 2
SP 315
OP 320
A1 Rittenburg, Terri L.
A1 Gladney, George Albert
A1 Stephenson, Teresa
A2 Gladney, George Albert
A2 Stephenson, Teresa
LA English
YR 2016
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1785658484
AB Transparency is important in today’s business environment. The use of euphemisms decreases transparency yet is increasing in business and business education. This study examines the effects of euphemism on people’s attitudes toward actions and their intentions to perform those actions. It also measures the effect of oversight on attitudes and behavioral intentions. Using a 2 × 2 experimental design, we measured participants’ attitudes by employing a semantic differential scale and behavioral intentions by using a simple yes/no question regarding the action described. A questionnaire with 20 brief scenarios provided the euphemistic (transparent) versus non-euphemistic (less-transparent) condition. Oversight versus non-oversight conditions were manipulated through instructions to participants. Hypotheses regarding the effects of euphemism were supported; participants were both more likely to rate an action as appropriate and to indicate they would take that action when stated euphemistically. Oversight did not have a significant effect on attitude toward the action, but did significantly affect participants’ intentions to take that action. Findings suggest both managerial and ethical implications for businesses. Greater transparency includes more straight talk and less euphemism and is recommended to ensure employees’ understanding and implementation of ethical business actions.
K1 Transparency
K1 Managerial oversight
K1 Euphemism
K1 Communication
K1 Business Ethics
DO 10.1007/s10551-014-2501-4