Using Humor in the Office: When it Works, When it Backfires
Episode Description
Humor, when used appropriately, can enhance status and perception of one’s competence in the office, according to Wharton research. More: http://knlg.net/2de8e4o 📂 Management 🏷️ Research
Brief Summary
Humor in the workplace can boost status but carries risks of misinterpretation and backlash.
Key points
- The Power of Humor in the Workplace. Research shows humor can elevate perceptions of competence and status, but it's risky.
- Risks of Humor. Using humor can backfire, leading to perceptions of low competence and even job loss.
- Cost-Effective Status Signaling. Humor is a free tool for increasing status compared to expensive goods.
- Humor's Serious Role. Humor profoundly influences social hierarchies and should be taken seriously.
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Episode highlights
- The Power of Humor in the WorkplaceResearch shows humor can elevate perceptions of competence and status, but it's risky.“Humor can significantly shape how we perceive others.”0:41Oct 4, 2016
- Risks of HumorUsing humor can backfire, leading to perceptions of low competence and even job loss.“Humor is risky; it can signal competence or low status.”1:41Oct 4, 2016
- Cost-Effective Status SignalingHumor is a free tool for increasing status compared to expensive goods.“A joke is free, but a Louis Vuitton bag is expensive.”4:58Oct 4, 2016
- Humor's Serious RoleHumor profoundly influences social hierarchies and should be taken seriously.“Humor should be taken seriously; it influences hierarchies.”6:02Oct 4, 2016
Tension
40/ 100Low tension
