Fostering egalitarianism: Norwegian study shows humor and acknowledgment of generational differences are biggest factors for professional services teams

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-04-2023-0073
• Published date: 15 May 2023
• Date: 15 May 2023
• Pages: 47-49
• Subject Matter: HR & organizational behaviour,Human resource policy,Employee welfare

Viewpoint

Fostering egalitarianism: Norwegian study

shows humor and acknowledgment of

generational differences are biggest factors

for professional services teams

Norwegian researchers carried out a qualitative study to find the best ways to

foster egalitarianism in professional services teams (PSFs). Based on 41 in-depth

interviews, they concluded that acknowledgment of generational differences and

humor are the best ways to facilitate egalitarianism and psychological safety. Team

members, who realize and value differences power or competencies, contribute

to egalitarianism. But valuing differences was not mentioned as often as negative

aspects of diversity, especially how senior consultants limited contributions from junior

consultants.

The two authors said their studyhas important practical implications for improving practices

for team learning in PSFs. First, PSFs have to create teams that value diversity by showing

its positive impact. In the study, leaders found it hard to get team members to internalize

these beliefs and they recommendedintroducing team processes and training that develop

concrete approaches.

Second, PSFs need to understand how positive humor mitigates power differences and

helps learning processes. PSFs should develop training plans with more humor-

oriented topics and exercises. As senior leaders tend to preside over projects, they

need training that explains the dangers of derogatory humor and how it can be harmful

when directed at lower-ranking members. The authors felt all team members would

benefit from training about the importance of humor with the provision of positive

models.

The initial research question was” “In PSFs, what factors contribute to developing

egalitarian teams and facilitating team learning?” They began be defining their terms.

“Team learning” is an ongoing process dependent on reflection and action, and

characterized by asking questions, seeking feedback and reflecting on results.

Meanwhile, “egalitarianism” in this context is a psychological state where members

shared a sense of equality in interactions and contributions. Research shows steeper

hierarchies inhibit learning as junior members are more inhibited. Finally, previous

research has shown humor can have positive effects, but, when used to reinforce power,

the impact can be negative.

The company selected for the research, known in the study as CORP, is one of the Nordic

region’s largest consulting and technology companies with about 15,000 employees. It is

listed on the stock exchange and has a turnover of e2 billion a year. The 18 interviewees

consisted of eight women and 10 men, aged between 22 and 59. Most were interviewed

three times and took part in around 80 project teams during the period concerned from

2018 to 2020. At the lower end of the hierarchy, there were five junior consultants and two

DOI 10.1108/HRMID-04-2023-0073 VOL. 31 NO. 4 2023, pp. 47-49, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 0967-0734 jHUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL DIGEST jPAGE 47