From Banter to Exclusion: Examining the Antecedents and Outcomes of Aggressive Humor in the Workplace

Abstract: This ongoing research examines the nuanced role of aggressive humor in workplace settings, focusing on its antecedents and consequences. While traditionally viewed negatively, emerging evidence suggests that aggressive humor can serve various functions, including stress relief and group cohesion. Employing a multi-study, multi-method approach, the project aims to (1) analyze the contexts and specific types of aggressive humor, and (2) investigate its impact on inclusive and exclusive behaviors within diverse workgroups.

The initial qualitative study involves 128 working adults who provide insights into their experiences with aggressive humor in professional environments. Preliminary findings indicate that aggressive humor serves multiple motives, such as asserting dominance, alleviating stress, and facilitating affiliation. These insights challenge traditional categorizations of humor styles and suggest a more complex relationship between humor and workplace dynamics. Future studies will further explore these relationships, aiming to inform managerial practices and contribute to the literature on workplace inclusion.

Keywords: humor, aggressive humor, inclusion, exclusion, workplace humor, organizational consequences