Time Flies When You’re Having Fun: Managerial Use of Humor and Subordinate Work-life Balance in South Korean Organizations

Organizational humor is often portrayed as a communication medium that helps to promote positive emotions and relationships within the workplace. However, humor is a complex phenomenon which is highly contextual and ambiguous. This study investigates this ambiguous nature of humor in relation to work-life boundaries, within three Korean organizations using qualitative research method. Findings suggest that individuals in hierarchically superior positions may use humor extensively, creating excessive connectivity with organizational members regardless of time and space. This is because superiors may perceive humor as an enjoyable experience, which helps them to perform the Confucan-based ‘caring’ role towards subordinates. Furthermore, superiors may also use humor to question about personal issues of workers, in attempt to establish deeper interpersonal relationships. However, individuals may not want to share such information, yet still feel obligated to answer due to the Confucian value of respect and hierarchy. Therefore, subordinates may experience discomfort and stress from the extensive connection and communication via humor with their superiors, and influence work-life boundaries of individuals regardless of the intention of the communicators.