The ‘Other’ Side of Leadership Discourse: Humour and the Performance of Relational Leadership Activities

Abstract

The humour employed by Tricia and her subordinate in this example primarily focuses on establishing and reinforcing the good collegial relationship that these women share. This humorous exchange which is embedded in a longer sequence of small talk could, strictly speaking, be regarded as dispensable and irrelevant since it does not appear to advance any transactional objectives. Tricia’s humorous reply ‘another week like this one’s how we can change that’ (line 9) does not portray her as a prototypical leader who is in control of what is going on at work but rather emphasises more social or human aspects of her persona.