ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the author suggests how tragicomic attunement and intervention can help a person navigate the double structure, the "light/dark" quality of the work experience, a dialectical process that points to the "dichotomies of weeping/laughing and pathos/humor". He discusses three interrelated challenges that are usually part of the phenomenology of work: to reduce stress and frustration; to improve communication between colleagues and; to help a "boss" bring out the best in workers. These are challenges for which tragicomic attunement and intervention can be especially helpful. Within the context of informal and formal communication, humour, including tragicomic intervention, has an important role in improving the effectiveness of communication, especially in managing the underbelly or dark side of the workplace. Leadership has a major impact on work attitudes and employee behaviour, including job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and performance.