Date of Award

2-2-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Hazel

Abstract

Humorous exchanges using sarcasm and teasing can be found in many workplaces despite the fact that they are often considered inappropriate. This study looked at what causes people to participate in sensemaking after engaging in these types of humor and examined how people make sense of sarcasm and teasing. The framework for this study was Sherif’s Social Judgment Theory (SJT) (1969) and Sensemaking (1995). Twenty people were interviewed about their last workplace exchange involving these types of humor and their answers were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that recipients, through sensemaking, assimilated jokes that were insulting and not humorous. Jokes that were funny did not prompt reflection or assimilation. The results also provided several sensemaking resources that help both tellers and hearers of jokes understand the rationale for why jokes may be funny or insulting. The findings of this study provide an understanding of humor that can facilitate a more collegial work environment in organizational setting.

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