Researchers at Cornell have published a study connecting language preferences to workplace outcomes. Shane Littrell, a linguistics postdoc, developed the Corporate Bullshit Receptivity Scale to measure how people respond to corporate communication. The research suggests that individuals who embrace corporate jargon may demonstrate impaired decision-making capabilities, challenging assumptions about workplace communication effectiveness.

Littrell distinguishes between productive jargon and harmful bullshit. Professional terminology facilitates communication and builds identity, while semantically dubious information serves only to impress without substance. This linguistic categorization provides a framework for evaluating workplace communication quality and its impact on decision-making processes.

The study reveals that receptivity to corporate bullshit correlates with poor judgment in professional settings. This connection raises questions about hiring practices, management training, and organizational culture. Companies may need to evaluate not just what employees say, but how they process information when making critical decisions.