There are many things that are cultural and that you'd need to see in the context of the region where the events occur. In Germany for instance, the business culture is quite formal and 'stiff' compared to the countries around it, and I can easily imagine that to be the case there.
But in other countries in that region (say, Poland, Belgium or the Netherlands) you'll find a completely different culture.
In Germany for instance in many firms even today it is still very customary to indicate a senior in the company with 'Sie', the polite form 'du' would be frowned upon unless it has been explicitly stated that that is permitted.
I seriously wonder how much of the report should simply be viewed through a German cultural lens in the region where the research was conducted, instead of used as a universal set of truths regarding humour the way the article suggests.
You really have to keep in mind that Germany is still very 'status conscious' compared to many other countries (at least, in my own limited experience, maybe 50 or so trips into Germany visiting people and businesses for various reasons).
But in other countries in that region (say, Poland, Belgium or the Netherlands) you'll find a completely different culture.
In Germany for instance in many firms even today it is still very customary to indicate a senior in the company with 'Sie', the polite form 'du' would be frowned upon unless it has been explicitly stated that that is permitted.
I seriously wonder how much of the report should simply be viewed through a German cultural lens in the region where the research was conducted, instead of used as a universal set of truths regarding humour the way the article suggests.
You really have to keep in mind that Germany is still very 'status conscious' compared to many other countries (at least, in my own limited experience, maybe 50 or so trips into Germany visiting people and businesses for various reasons).