ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies and illustrates some of the functions of humour in workplace interaction. It uses a community of practice framework on the actual practice of doing humour at work. Humour provides one way of characterising contrasting workplace cultures, as well as insights into different attitudes to power and politeness, or more specifically, different ways of doing power and solidarity at work. Humour also mitigates the impact of directives and criticisms and takes some of the sting out of insults. Jocular abuse or a joking insult is the simplest case where humour licenses a face attack act, and, at its most benign, it serves largely as an expression of solidarity. It also examines the ways in which humour contributes to the construction of a distinctive workplace culture in different communities of practice (CofPs). This chapter also illustrates the fact that humour is often used to reduce tension, to manage potential conflict and contributes to the management of problematic situations.
