Topic:

The Trust-Laughter Paradox: Strategic Signals in Negotiations and Interviews

Speaker:

Prof. Brad Bitterly (Department of Management, HKUST)

We often rely on laughter to build rapport, but new research reveals a paradox: in high-stakes settings like negotiations and interviews, laughter often erodes interpersonal trust. This masterclass explores the science of strategic signaling. We will unpack data showing how laughter undermines perceived credibility, and introduce the evidence-backed tools that should replace it. Learn how to replace noisy reactive behaviors with leadership strategies for controlling the conversation, uncovering hidden information, and fostering trust in critical career moments. Experience firsthand why the HKUST MBA program teaches you not just answers, but more importantly, how asking the right questions is no laughing matter.