Title: The effect of humour on mental state and work effort

Authors: Eric J. Romero

Addresses: Intrepid Consulting, PO Box 413, Edinburg, TX 78540, USA

Abstract: Humour has a positive effect on individuals and teams at work. Based on the humour literature reviewed, specific humour styles were predicted to have a positive effect on work effort and mental state. An empirical study was conducted to examine these relationships. Self-enhancing and team humour contributed to reported positive mental state. Team humour and positive mental state was associated with higher reported individual work effort. Furthermore, individuals who use affiliative humour contributed to the creation of team humour. Reported differences in humour styles based on gender, age, and ethnicity were also found. Some pragmatic managerial implications and ideas for future research are suggested.

Keywords: mental state; organisational humour; teams; management; work effort; teamwork; emotion; humour styles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2005.008818

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2005 Vol.1 No.2, pp.137 - 149

Published online: 27 Jan 2006 *

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