Humour and happiness in an NPM world: Do they speak in jest?

This study examines perceptions of humour and happiness in a world where NPM ideas have a profound influence on many aspects of everyday living. The researchers interviewed comedians and their circle of co-workers at comedy festivals. Comedians seek to make us laugh, but this paper examines whether they have a serious message, too. This research reveals comedians as critical thinkers, as edge-workers who challenge convention with a particularly powerful critique of the primacy accorded to managerialism in public services and in contemporary society.