Many directors believe political incorrectness is acceptable

The majority of company directors believe that cracking politically incorrect jokes and using slang are now acceptable in many business situations, according to a recent survey.

The research by The Aziz Corporation, the UK’s leading independent spoken communications consultancy, reveals that 57 per cent of directors feel that politically incorrect but funny jokes would be allowed in internal conversations and meetings, with a further 17 per cent believing they should be allowed at any time. 62 per cent think the use of slang should be allowed in internal meetings with a further 21 per cent believing slang is acceptable at any time. The use of mild swear words is deemed acceptable by 45 per cent of directors in informal meetings and by a further 14 per cent at any time.

It appears that the acceptability of jokes depends upon how funny they are rather than whether or not they are politically correct. 30 per cent of UK directors believe that politically correct jokes that are not funny should never be allowed in a business setting. In comparison, only 24 per cent of UK directors believe that politically incorrect but funny jokes should never be allowed. Women are also more likely than men to take offence at politically incorrect jokes, with 33 per cent of female directors believing that they should never be allowed, compared to 18 per cent of male directors.

Khalid Aziz, Chairman of The Aziz Corporation, said: “Whilst great care needs to be taken when cracking jokes, the definition of a joke is something that makes people laugh. This is highlighted by the findings that more directors object to unfunny jokes, even if they are politically correct. Whilst politically insensitive jokes may be considered funnier, it is worth noting that these can serve to ostracise colleagues, associates and business contacts very quickly and possibly even irreversibly. It is important to remember that a joke that sounded great in a bar at 10.30pm doesn’t always go down so well at 9.30am in the cold light of day.”

The research indicates that the use of language in business has become much less formal over the last two years. Similar research conducted by The Aziz Corporation in 1999 revealed that at the time not a single respondent believed that politically incorrect jokes were acceptable whether in front of clients or in internal meetings. Similarly, two years ago businessmen were unanimous that mild swear words were unacceptable in front of clients. (SP)