Laughing in harmony: humour and Confucian relationships in South Korean organizations

Abstract

Humour is commonly perceived as a phenomenon that brings happiness to people. However, such a singularly positive depiction of humour can be problematic in different cultural contexts, particularly those influenced by Confucianism. Yet, organizational studies have not fully examined how these different underlying cultural philosophies influence the way people communicate and behave. Undertaken in South Korean organizations, this doctoral study contributes empirical data examining the relationship between humour and Confucianism in South Korean workplaces. In particular, it investigates the formality and hierarchical relationship structures which shape interpersonal relationships in South Korean organizations. The research was conducted in three South Korean companies from different industries. A qualitative-method approach was used, and included participant observation, interviews, and document collection. A period of one month of full immersion in each of the South Korean companies was undertaken. The findings show that humour provides an insight into the changing values of individuals within South Korean workplaces, who appear to be in process of moving from the traditional Confucian values and relationships towards more Westernized, individualist ideals. The Confucian values of formality create an underlying assumption that humour is unsuitable in an organizational context. This assumption often leads to a negative impression of humour users being held, especially for those of lower hierarchical status. Therefore, the use of humour differs depending on the hierarchical position of the individual. However, humour is still an important part of modern organizational life and often used to develop interpersonal relationships which transcend organizational hierarchy. This is more commonly instigated by individuals of higher hierarchical status. Humour also helps to maintain and support Confucian values of harmony by protecting the chemyon (face) of individuals, and performs a balancing role within the culturally changing workplace- where traditional Confucian values are being challenged by Western influences, particularly among younger employees. Organizational members perceive that humour used in Confucian based relationships therefore create further uncertainty and some emotional burden on those of lower hierarchical status. Examining the use of humour in South Korean workplaces helps to explain the emerging distortions of traditional Confucianism and the changing relationships of organizational members.