This paper examines some of the various findings contained in the current literature on humor in the workplace. In recent years, the communicative role of humor in the workplace has received attention--particularly in management-related publications. Consequently, the paper explores the emergence of humor as a management tool and the advantages and disadvantages of humor in work settings. Finally, specific applications of humor in the organizational setting are identified and directions for future research addressed (for example, the need for research on the "fine line" between humor and harassment in the workplace and longitudinal studies on how humor affects productivity and turnover rate of workers). Contains 25 references. (Author/RS)