A Multi-national Analysis of the Relationship Between Assimilation and Bullshit

This study examines the relationship between organizational assimilation and perception of organizational bullshit and the moderating role of perceived immediacy in a multinational setting. Three factors of organizational bullshit were examined: bullshit language, regard for the truth, and the boss. A total of 1316 participants completed self-administered surveys in China, Estonia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United States. Results reveal assimilation is positively related to bullshit among the entire sample, but not within each individual nation. In addition, there were significant differences between the nations on level of assimilation, with the U.S. scoring the highest and China the lowest. As for bullshit, New Zealand scored the highest and Estonia the lowest. The discussion poses implications for multinational organizational studies, future areas for organizational bullshit research, as well as practical implications for organizations. This study proposes that by reducing organizational bullshit, organizations can foster greater trust, transparency, and create a more positive workplace culture that promotes thoughtful decision-making.