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.