The Superiority Theory of Humor At Work
- 1 November 1985
- journal article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Small Group Behavior
- Vol. 16 (4) , 556-564
- https://doi.org/10.1177/104649648501600412
Abstract
A study of six small, task-oriented groups was conducted to examine the superiority of humor as it applied to the formal and informal status structures of the focal groups. Three of the groups were units in business firms and three were units in health care organizations. Questions were raised regarding the conventional wisdom of joking be havior on the job. The relatively more professional and highly trained groups in health care displayed humor patterns different from those predicted by the superionty theory of humor. Specifically, high-status individuals were integral parts of the humor network and enjoyed no particular "joking monopoly."Keywords
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