Study Examines Potential for Rudeness to Operate as a Social Contagion
September 16th, 2009
The adage that happiness and laughter are contagious are recognized and reinforced by many, and some bring the idea to the workplace, helping to make office and other environments more enjoyable for all. But does rudeness work the same way? That’s what a psychologist at the University of Florida wanted to know when he began a study on rudeness in the workplace. The recently released results show that in fact, those who are exposed to rude co-workers –even indirectly– are more likely to experience a drop in cognitive ability and an increase in aggression and negative mood. The study suggests that spreading a little cheer and keeping etiquette a priority may be especially important for business.
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Seems like both positive and negative energy can spread,eh…? Interesting…very interesting… But keeping others from being rude can be done by making them happy, so the solution to all the problems is spreading cheer I guess :)
That’s not a shocking revelation. Having to spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with unpleasant people wears down the sunniest of dispositions. What’s difficult in a workplace is when it’s a superior that’s being rude to an employee. Few want to risk their own job by speaking out about it or challenging them.
That’s just another day at the office. Tensions simmer until reaching breaking point and eventually an employee blows up. In my experience witnesses who can’t stomach listening and watching this kind of treatment are more prone to lose it with the instigator than the victim is. Verbal abuse is a form of workplace bullying and the weakest are in the firing line.
I’ve seen it happen plenty. In fact I lost it myself before after watching an office junior get picked on and pushed around repeatedly. It shouldn’t be left to a 17 year old kid who’s throwing up with nerves to stand up to a 40 year old boss from hell. These idiots don’t quit until they are challenged and some days you just need to do what’s right. I kept thinking “what if that was my kid being treated like that?”. I’d want a grown up to intervene on their behalf. So I did.
He calls the results “very, very disturbing because it means they (people who witness rudeness) are being hostile themselves, and they’re not aware of it. Which means it can spread like fire. They watch as somebody is rude, and they themselves are primed to be rude.”
I don’t agree with his analysis. What I see is happening is rather than witnesses “being primed to be rude”, they are offended by the rude person’s actions and upset. When you’re upset you can’t focus. I don’t think their hostile feelings would be aimed at anyone apart from the rude person. I think the witnesses are showing restraint more than anything.
Yes rudeness is contagious! I can see it in my office on a daily basis- when one person is being snarky it is like the rest of us (myself included) feed off of this and in turn have our moods turn black. I know I should concentrate more on spreading good cheer instead of bad attutude but sometimes it is easier to be mean than be nice! I know that sounds terrible. Maybe this is my wake up call.
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