The Complexity of Workplace Humour: Laughter, Jokers and the Dark Side of Humour

by Barbara Plester

Overview

This book discusses boundaries for organizational humour as well as the jokers and jesters that enliven modern workplaces. It has long been accepted that humour and tragedy can occupy the same space and that is eloquently demonstrated in this book. Using ethnographic research techniques, a selection of stories, ruminations, cartoons, and narratives of events is combined with theoretical conceptions of humour and fun to create a comprehensive analysis of the good, the bad, and the downright ugly in organizational humour.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783319246673
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	11/20/2015
Edition description:	1st ed. 2016
Pages:	164
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Set-Up.- Chapter 2: Theorising Humor.- Chapter 3: Execution of a Joke: Types and Functions of Humor.- Chapter 4: Send in the Clowns.- Chapter 5: Boundaries.- Chapter 6: The Punch Line: Transgression and the Dark Side.- Chapter 7: Getting the Joke: Applause and Laughter.

Editorial Reviews

The Complexity of Workplace Humour provides a 'cache of stories and legends' that contributes to the internal tone and the externally perceived ethos of a work establishment. … From a wealth of personal observation of humor in work situations, Plester has written a reflective, rich and sophisticated tapestry of theory, supported with some data.” (Maren Rawlings, Humor, Vol. 31 (03), August, 2018)

“The Complexity of Workplace Humour: Laughter, Jokers and the Dark Side of Humour represents a culmination of 12 years of ethnographic research on humor in the workplace. … This book will likely interest scholars involved in researching the development, policing, and promotion of humor in organized environments … . In sum, Plester’s work provides thoughtful reflection on humor in organizations.” (Richard D. Harvey and Heather Walker, PsycCRITIQUES, Vol. 61 (20), May, 2016)

From the Publisher