The Evolution of Humorous Leadership: Mapping Intellectual Structures and Research Frontiers

Abstract

Humour in leadership has emerged as a significant factor influencing employee wellbeing and organisational success. Despite growing interest among scholars and practitioners, research in this field has remained fragmented. To advance systematic understanding, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 134 publications on humour in leadership from 2014 to 2024 using VOSviewer. The analysis highlights leading authors, institutions, highly cited works, and publishing nations. Results indicate that humour in leadership is a growing yet still nascent area of inquiry, with four major research clusters identified: Workplace Dynamics and Employee Well-being, Ethical and Behavioural Dimensions, Psychological and Risk Management Aspects, and Practical Management and Organisational Wellness. The findings provide a structured overview of emerging trends and thematic developments, offering valuable insights for future research and practical applications in leadership studies.