Abstract

The aim of this project was to create a preliminary theoretical framework of how to utilize humour strategically in organizations with the aim of creating new business opportunities. The present multidisciplinary discussion paper will identify research gaps and combine viewpoints of international business management, international business communication, marketing and education in a novel way. It appears that in previous literature on humour in a business context, discussions have taken place in different ‘silos’ and as a result, the connections between different research fields have been scarce. Consequently, a more comprehensive understanding of the significance of humour in business innovations is necessary. Firstly, we are proposing a framework and a research agenda for exploring different strategic ways of using humour in companies. Secondly, in the Hurmos-project we have already collected empirical evidence based on this framework, and some preliminary results are also presented. Hence, the potential, as well as the limits and risks of humour in business have been examined in terms of both internal and external corporate communication. We have focused on such research aspects as corporate storytelling, corporate and employer branding, and work engagement. Peer group mentoring has been used as one tool for collecting relevant narratives from companies. Additionally, we have explored innovation communication, in particular how humour can be applied as a strategic tool in new business development both in facilitating creative Research, Development and Innovation (R&D&I) work environments, and in incorporating humour into product and service innovation in practice. Our empirical results will provide a much needed more comprehensive view of the role of humour as a strategic tool in corporate communication and business innovation. The results also provide a point of departure for further research. Besides academia, results and generated know-how will be of interest to managers of large corporations as well as start-up companies.