Replenishing the learner: the role of leader humor in providing the energy resources necessary for learning from failure
Haizhen Wang, Qian Zhao, Zizhen Geng, Huili TangPurpose
While leader humor is widely acknowledged as an effective, resource-infusing communication tool, its role in facilitating learning from failure – a process that requires substantial resources – remains underexplored. Grounded in conservation of resources theory, this study aims to examine whether leader humor enhances employee energy at work, a pivotal resource, which in turn promotes learning from failure. Furthermore, this study posits learning goal orientation (LGO) as a key moderator that influences how energized employees allocate their resources.
Design/methodology/approach
Using two-wave data from 345 Chinese employees, this study tested the hypotheses via hierarchical multiple regression and bootstrapping.
Findings
Analysis of two-wave survey data based on 345 employees supports the hypothesized model: energy at work mediates the relationship between leader humor and learning from failure, and this indirect effect is stronger among employees with higher LGO.
Originality/value
This study advances research on learning from failure by introducing a resource-dynamic perspective that complements existing cognitive models. The authors identify that leader humor replenishes the energy required for learning from failure, and introduce LGO as a key moderator explaining how individual goals determine whether replenished energy is invested in productive learning.