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Article
Humor Works: Communication Style and Humor Functions in Manager/Subordinate Relationships
Southern Communication Journal
  • Diane M. Martin, Aalto University
  • Craig Rich, Loyola Marymount University
  • Barbara Mae Gayle
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2004
Disciplines
Abstract

This study explored humor production and communicator style within the dyadic communicative relationship between organizational managers and subordinates. Research questions considered positive, expressive, and negative humor functions and manager-subordinate relational style, communication style, sex, and dyad characteristics. Results indicated that both organizational managers and subordinates report using conversational humor, mostly positive and expressive humor. Results also indicate communicator image, dominant or affiliative communication style, and sex are related to the type of conversational humor initiated by organizational managers and subordinates. It appears that organizational power/dominance and sex are better predictors of humor usage than other characteristics. Overall, results suggest that relational factors, such as one's humor, may be important to the enactment of organizational citizenship behaviors among subordinates.

Original Publication Citation

Martin, D. M., Rich, C. O., & Gayle, B. M. (2004). Humor works: Communication style and humor functions in manager/subordinate relationships. Southern Communication Journal, 69, 206-222.

Citation Information
Diane M. Martin, Craig Rich and Barbara Mae Gayle. "Humor Works: Communication Style and Humor Functions in Manager/Subordinate Relationships" Southern Communication Journal (2004)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/craig_rich/4/