IS “WORKPLACE FUN” A NEW MANAGEMENT FASHION OR ANOTHER PASSING FAD?

Abstract

Purpose- The aim of the paper is to shed light on the issue whether the fun work environments are of strategic importance for organizations or they are only a new management fad or fashion.

Methodology- The research includes a qualitative study (interview with five Human Resource managers and five management consultants) and a quantitative study (surveys with 388 with Turkish private bank employees who work for the headquarters of these banks).

Findings- The results of both studies indicate that the respondents do not believe that fun working environments are a management fad or fashion. The paper also provides evidence that there has been a sustained interest in workplace fun that it is quite unlike the other popular management techniques that are suggested as panaceas or quick-fixes for organizations.

Conclusion- This study provides evidence that the workplace fun initiatives are neither management fads nor fashions and that they are believed to be one of those dominant management concepts that survive.  

Keywords

• Workplace fun,fun at work,fun work environment,management fad,management fashion

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