Gender as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Leader Humor and Follower Boredom

Abstract

Previous research has explored the many benefits and drawbacks of using humor in the workplace, deepening our understanding of its effects on various organizational outcomes. One stream of research, in particular, focuses on leaders and how their use of humor can affect followers. However, scholars have paid little attention to how leaders’ use of humor affects follower boredom. I argue that this is an important oversight, particularly since boredom is a common feeling in the workplace which can hinder focus, concentration, and performance. Drawing on the appraisal theory of humor and arousal theory of boredom, I propose that leaders’ use of humor will help relieve followers’ experiences of boredom at work and stimulate creative behaviors. I also propose that gender plays an important role in these relationships and will increase understanding of the conditions in which leaders’ use of humor would be most effective. I expect that humor expressed by leaders is likely to have a greater affect on follower boredom and, consequently, follower creative behaviors for male followers. These differences have implications for understanding leadership assessments, managing follower boredom, and inspiring a positive and productive work environment. Results from surveys of both followers and their leader provide partial support for the moderated mediation model presented. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.