Menu
31/10/2001
Accents speak louder than words
According to a survey by a UK leading independent spoken communications consultancy, strong regional accents are a distinct disadvantage to people who want to succeed in business.
Results taken from a Aziz Corporation survey reveal that almost two fifths of respondents consider a strong regional accent to be a disadvantage in business, compared to just seven per cent who feel that it is an advantage. Strong regional accents were particularly thought to be a disadvantage by men and by directors of large companies.
Even strong overseas accents are regarded more favourably than a UK regional accent, with 10 per cent of businessmen stating they feel foreign accents to be an advantage in business. The research also revealed that some regional accents convey negative impressions.
The survey said that accents are often seen as an indicator of a businessman’s honesty and industriousness. Those with a Scottish or Welsh accent are considered the most above-board and trustworthy with 26 per cent and 21 per cent respectively stating these accents convey above-average honesty.
Those with Scottish accents were also considered to be the most hardworking by 32 per cent, followed closely by those with a ‘geordie’ twang at 26 per cent. The ‘scouse’ accent comes bottom of both league tables, once again, with eight per cent of respondents saying they felt Liverpudlian businessmen are less hardworking and 10 per cent saying they felt these were less honest than average. (MB)
Results taken from a Aziz Corporation survey reveal that almost two fifths of respondents consider a strong regional accent to be a disadvantage in business, compared to just seven per cent who feel that it is an advantage. Strong regional accents were particularly thought to be a disadvantage by men and by directors of large companies.
Even strong overseas accents are regarded more favourably than a UK regional accent, with 10 per cent of businessmen stating they feel foreign accents to be an advantage in business. The research also revealed that some regional accents convey negative impressions.
The survey said that accents are often seen as an indicator of a businessman’s honesty and industriousness. Those with a Scottish or Welsh accent are considered the most above-board and trustworthy with 26 per cent and 21 per cent respectively stating these accents convey above-average honesty.
Those with Scottish accents were also considered to be the most hardworking by 32 per cent, followed closely by those with a ‘geordie’ twang at 26 per cent. The ‘scouse’ accent comes bottom of both league tables, once again, with eight per cent of respondents saying they felt Liverpudlian businessmen are less hardworking and 10 per cent saying they felt these were less honest than average. (MB)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2002
UK new investment projects fall
The latest Ernst & Young European Investment Monitor survey has revealed that the number of new investment projects into Europe in 2001 fell by 12 per cent on 2000 figures. Countries that performed poorly in 2001 included the UK with a 34 per cent decline from 575 projects to 377.
UK new investment projects fall
The latest Ernst & Young European Investment Monitor survey has revealed that the number of new investment projects into Europe in 2001 fell by 12 per cent on 2000 figures. Countries that performed poorly in 2001 included the UK with a 34 per cent decline from 575 projects to 377.
01 November 2018
CMA Launches 'Stop Cartels' Campaign
New research has revealed that many firms don't know enough about how to comply with competition law, according to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA). Citing this research, the CMA has launched a cartel awareness campaign, which aims to educate businesses about which practices are illegal.
CMA Launches 'Stop Cartels' Campaign
New research has revealed that many firms don't know enough about how to comply with competition law, according to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA). Citing this research, the CMA has launched a cartel awareness campaign, which aims to educate businesses about which practices are illegal.
14 August 2001
UK R&D spend is below European average
The latest figures on research and development (R&D) spending shows that the UK lags behind the European average and falls well below the US. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics revealed that the UK spent £16.7 billion, equivalent to 1.83 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development in 1999.
UK R&D spend is below European average
The latest figures on research and development (R&D) spending shows that the UK lags behind the European average and falls well below the US. Figures released by the Office of National Statistics revealed that the UK spent £16.7 billion, equivalent to 1.83 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on research and development in 1999.
02 October 2001
NI lags behind UK in designating stakeholder pensions
Only two thirds of Northern Ireland businesses have designated a stakeholder pension provider compared with the UK average of 85 per cent a new report shows.
NI lags behind UK in designating stakeholder pensions
Only two thirds of Northern Ireland businesses have designated a stakeholder pension provider compared with the UK average of 85 per cent a new report shows.
04 March 2002
Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike
Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.
Top Consignia directors decline 10 per cent pay hike
Two senior directors of postal company Consignia have decided not to accept a 10 per cent pay rise following anger among postal unions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
