Influence of humorous leadership at workplace on the innovative behavior of leaders and their leadership effectiveness

Abstract

The influence of humor on interpersonal relationship and behavior has been attracting increasing attention from various enterprises. Participants in this study were Taiwan’s corporate leaders and the influence of their styles of humor on innovative behavior and leadership effectiveness was examined. The study results showed that self-enhancing humor played a key role in leadership at work place. It not only enhanced leaders’ innovative behavior but leadership effectiveness. On the other hand, aggressive humor showed a negative but small effect on leadership effectiveness. The results may serve as the criteria in the selection of prospective department heads/officials and facilitate the development of self-enhancing humor in various trainings.   Key words: Humorous leadership, humor style, innovative behavior, leadership effectiveness.