| With the ever changing dynamics of the world today good leadership is becoming harder and harder to find. The role situational humor plays on leadership today has not been adequately researched. This study explored the connection between humor and leadership. Specifically, examining the relationship between leadership qualities and the humor responses used in a given situation. This research looked to address the issue that leaders can use humor in different situations and still be regarded as a good leader. The appropriate amount and use of humor are powerful tools to build a sense of community, promote creativity, and reduce conflict (Lefcourt & Martin, 1986). This study, used May's (1977) definition of humor "the capacity to perceive, appreciate, or express what is funny, amusing, incongruous, ludicrous, etc." (p. 1). The study results confirmed that participants who were identified as good leaders on a standardized personality inventory focusing on leadership scored high on a situational humor response questionnaire. People who appear to have leadership ability also appear to have a greater sense of humor. The potential reasons for this connection are discussed. |
