The bidirectional effect of expressions of humor by employees in the workplace

Abstract

This study examined the effect of humor in the workplace, focusing on the bidirectional relationship between behavior by managers and expressions of humor by their subordinates. Japanese employees (n = 565) responded to questionnaires addressing their managers' style of leadership, humor expressed by employees in the workplace, their feelings about humor, the workplace atmosphere, and perceived job performance. Of the subjects, 315 reported that there was a subordinate who expressed humor in their workplace. Covariance structural analysis revealed that a leadership style involving supporting subordinates and maintaining group harmony promoted expressions of humor by subordinates, and such behaviors resulted in a workplace atmosphere that prioritized employee relationships by promoting positive feelings. The cooperative atmosphere promoted supportive leadership, as well as job performance. We discuss the role of humor in the workplace in regard to the bidirectional influence between leadership and subordinates.