Marketing and management professors warn that failed workplace jokes damage careers more than successful humor benefits them. Researchers developed the “benign violation theory,” explaining that comedy works when something feels both wrong and harmless simultaneously. Missing either element results in boring or offensive content. Studies show managers who attempt humor unsuccessfully lose status and credibility with employees. Women face harsher consequences for failed humor attempts due to workplace double standards. One experiment found marketing students writing “funny” advertisements created less effective ads than those focusing on creativity or persuasion. Instead of telling jokes, experts recommend “thinking funny” by challenging assumptions and finding niche audiences. (Story URL)