Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025

The Innovation Arena: A Method for Comparing Innovative Problem-Solving Across Groups
Published on: May 13, 2022
Leader humor across levels
Cecily D Cooper1, Nathan Hiller2
1Management Department, University of Miami, United States.
Abstract:
Leaders use humor. This humor has real effects and has been a topic of scholarly interest. We review and interpret this literature though the lens of leader hierarchical level (front-line managers versus senior executives), enumerating intriguing research possibilities and practical implications. We know much more about the humor of front-line leaders than executives, and much more about benefits than risks of leader humor. Not only are the risks and benefits likely to be amplified for executives, but they are qualitatively different due to the differential reach of executive leadership. In terms of enacting humor, the more diverse set of observers and stakeholders for executive leaders versus front-line managers creates additional challenges and a narrower window for successful use of humor.
Related Concept Videos
Levels of Communication II: Organizational, Public, and Group Dynamics
Levels of Communication I: Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, and Small Group
We can participate in these relationships through verbal, nonverbal, and mediated communication. We engage in verbal communication when we use words during our interaction to convey specific meanings. On the other hand, nonverbal communication refers to various factors that can impact how we understand each other—for example, facial expressions.
We interact with others using mediated technologies like the...
Social Proof
Levels of Organization
Molecules Are Composed of Atoms, and Biomolecules Are Assembled from Molecules:
The most basic levels include atoms, molecules, and biomolecules. Atoms, the smallest unit of ordinary matter, are composed of a nucleus and electrons. Molecules...
Social Loafing
Fundamental Attribution Error

