Putting Humor to Work

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. An Introduction: Harold and the Laughter Crayon

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This introductory chapter sets forth the general plan and goals of the book. It covers the content of the chapters in synopsis and gives highlights of the overall content of the book. The chapter ends with some biographical information about the author and some helpful links and information that will allow the interested reader to more fully look into research on humor, laughter, and mirth. The overall book focuses on more recent research so as to give the reader an up-to-date rendering of the field of study.

3. Chapter 2. The Science of Laughter, Humor, and Mirth: Alice’s Adventures in Laughterland

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This chapter provides much of the background information and research related to laughter, humor, and mirth. Basic definitions of laughter, humor, and mirth are provided. Discussion of the foundational theoretical approaches to humor is covered and the idea of humor types is introduced. The chapter ends with a review of some empirical studies that provide support for the theories covered earlier in the chapter.

4. Chapter 3. Functions of Humor and Laughter in Interpersonal Relationships: Green Eggs and Ham It Up

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This chapter focuses on the basic roles that humor and laughter play in our communication with others. Specifically, the chapter explores the roles that humor and laughter play in our interpersonal communications—both with intimate friends and with strangers. Laughter and humor communicate a variety of social information which is important for understanding human behavior. The chapter concludes with understanding how laughter and humor influence our close, interpersonal relationships.

5. Chapter 4. Functions of Humor and Laughter at Work and the Classroom: Laugha, Laugha, Boom, Boom

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This chapter covers the roles that laughter and humor play in our professional or working relationships/environments and how they can be used to augment or diminish those sorts of relationships or environments. Subjects like how humor and laughter are viewed in the workplace and are understood in leadership are covered. Teasing and bullying and their effects on workplace communication and environment are also explored. Empirical studies related to all the aforementioned topics are reviewed.

6. Chapter 5. Humor and Laughter in Multi-cultural Settings: Laughter’s Web

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This chapter discusses the role and results of humor and laughter in cross-cultural or multi-cultural environments. The chapter covers the role that various humor types can have, as well as the effects of their use, in environments where all the members may not share the same cultural and societal backgrounds. Since humor and laughter require a shared background, the outcomes of the use of humor and laughter in these situations is less predictable than in situations where the cultural backgrounds of the members are more uniform. As with previous chapters attention is paid to recent empirical research on the topics.

7. Chapter 6. Ethical Issues with Humor: The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Joke

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This chapter presents a look at the ethics of using humor in your life. Humor can have differing effects depending on where it’s used. This chapter covers various ethical theories that people employ when making ethical judgments. Recent research into the morality of humor by modern philosophers is discussed in order to give the reader a sense of the variety of ways to understand how one can morally evaluate humor. The chapter ends by offering a novel approach to judging the use of humor based on an understanding of humor as a form of kindness.

8. Chapter 7. Concluding Thoughts: Where the Running Gag Ends

   Michael K. Cundall, Jr.

   Abstract

   This chapter is a concluding chapter that reviews what was covered in previous chapters as well as addressing topics that could use further exploration. The chapter discusses the appendices as ways to take what has been learned throughout the text and then apply them based on real-world situations.

9. Backmatter