Abstract:
Humour is an important aspect in the social interactions of individuals in the workplace. However, the boundaries regarding workplace humour and gender have received little attention. This thesis examines the influence of gender in the guidance and construction of workplace humour boundaries. Research was conducted through interviews in two companies and two focus groups. Focus group participants were recent and existing postgraduate students with corporate work experience. Findings show that the relationships established between individuals who shared humorous events and situations were the most significant in the construction of workplace humour boundaries. However, the findings show that when strong relationships are not formed between individuals who share humour events and situations, gender has an influence in the construction of workplace humour boundaries. To some degree, gender stereotypes supported the development of appropriate and inappropriate forms of humour shared.