From I to we in humor research: a systematic review of the antecedents and consequences of humor in groups

Abstract

Abstract While most of the literature has focused on the individual-level effects of humor, the number of studies addressing and analyzing humor in its social context as a group-level phenomenon has also started to increase. Yet there is still increased heterogeneity of results, as well as problems regarding conceptualization and measurement of humor in groups. To further our understanding of humor as an emergent multilevel construct, we conducted a systematic literature review on the antecedents and consequences of humor in groups. The findings indicate that factors such as group composition, interpersonal familiarity, task structure, trust, cohesion, positive team environment, communication norms, communication channels, and timing dynamics play important roles in the emergence and type of humor expressed within groups. The consequences of humor in groups include the emergence of cohesion, the delineation of group boundaries and identity formation, influence on group atmosphere and affective dynamics, facilitation of collective coping and team engagement, and potential effects on team performance. We discuss research progress and gaps, and conclude by outlining future research directions.