Organisational Humour: A Conceptual Review

This study provides a comprehensive conceptual review of organisational humour, examining its theoretical foundations, multidimensional frameworks, and practical implications within organisational affairs. Historically marginalised in management studies, humour is gaining traction and it’s explored as a multifaceted psychosocial tool able to influence leadership, communication, creativity, cohesion, and employee well-being. Enshrined in the foundational theories of superiority, relief, and incongruity, the study explores these perspectives with modern multi-dimensional frameworks of Martin et al.’s Humour Styles Questionnaire (HSQ), Cann et al.’s Humour Climate Questionnaire (HCQ), and Lang and Lee’s functional categorisation of humour. The review also examined factors such as personality traits, cultural orientation, gender, and power dynamics that influence the expression and reception of humour in organisational affairs. By synthesising theoretical, empirical, and contextual insights, this study emphasises the strategic significance of humour in organisational optimisation, operation, and posterity. The study also gave direction for future empirical exploits which are necessary to reinforce and establish humour culture as a necessary and advantageous practice in organisations.