Du's research appears in Harvard Business Review

Professor Shuili Du's research on the rules of using playful nicknames in work was recently published in the Harvard Business Review and picked up at Fast Company and MSN.

Du is co-author of the paper "The Effects of Nicknaming in the Workplace on Perceived Supervisor Communality and Employee Well-being," which explores how nicknaming affects workplace dynamics, particularly focusing on supervisor-employee relationships.

The research found that when employees nickname their bosses, it creates a sense of closeness and boosts morale. However, when bosses give nicknames to employees, it can feel controlling or dismissive, lowering morale. The effect is stronger in more traditional, hierarchical workplaces. In short, nicknaming can be positive if it’s upward, but tricky if it’s downward, especially in structured environments.