EMOTIONS - WHY EMOTIONS WERE IGNORED IN OB

The “myth of rationality”

Organizations are not emotion-free.

Emotions of any kind are disruptive to organizations.

Original OB focus was solely on the effects of strong negative emotions that interfered with individual and organizational efficiency.

WHAT ARE EMOTIONS?

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MoodsFeelings that tend to be less intense than emotions and that lack a contextual stimulus.

MoodsFeelings that tend to be less intense than emotions and that lack a contextual stimulus.

EmotionsIntense feelings that are directed at someone or something.

EmotionsIntense feelings that are directed at someone or something.

AffectA broad range of emotions

that people experience.

AffectA broad range of emotions

that people experience.

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EMOTION DIMENSIONS

Biology of emotions

Originate in brain’s limbic system

Intensity of emotions

Personality

Job Requirements

Frequency and duration of emotions

How often emotions are exhibited

How long emotions are displayed

Functions of emotions

Critical for rational thinking

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The limbic system is a set of evolutionarily primitive brain structures located on top of the brainstem and buried under the cortex. Limbic system structures are involved in many of our emotions and motivations, particularly those

that are related to survival. Such emotions include fear, anger, and emotions related to

sexual behavior. The limbic system is also involved in feelings of pleasure that are related to our survival, such as those experienced from

eating and sex.

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Mood as Positive and Negative Affect

SOURCES OF EMOTIONS AND MOODS

Personality

Day and Time of the Week

NOT Weather

Stress

Social Activities

Sleep

Exercise

Age

Gender

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GENDER AND EMOTIONS

Women

Can show greater emotional expression.

Experience emotions more intensely.

Display emotions more frequently.

Are more comfortable in expressing emotions.

Are better at reading others’ emotions.

Men

Believe that displaying emotions is inconsistent with the male image.

Are innately less able to read and to identify with others’ emotions.

Have less need to seek social approval by showing positive emotions.

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EXTERNAL CONSTRAINTS ON EMOTIONS

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OrganizationalInfluences

OrganizationalInfluences

CulturalInfluences

CulturalInfluences

IndividualEmotions

IndividualEmotions

EMOTIONAL LABOR

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Emotional Labor

A situation in which an employee expresses organizationally desired

emotions during interpersonal transactions.

FELT VERSUS DISPLAYED EMOTIONS

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Felt Emotions

An individual’s actual emotions.

Displayed Emotions

Emotions that are organizationally required and considered appropriate in a given job.

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• Internals (Internal locus of control) Individuals who believe that they control what happens to them.

Note: Higher emotional labor = more highly paid jobs (with high cognitive requirements)

AFFECTIVE EVENTS THEORY (AET)

An event in the work environment triggers positive or negative emotional reactions Personality and mood determine response intensity Emotions can influence a broad range of work variables

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EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

Self-awareness (know how you feel)

Self-management (manage your emotions and impulses)

Self-motivation (can motivate yourself & persist)

Empathy (sense & understand what others feel)

Social Skills (can handle the emotions of others)

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Research Findings: High EI scores, not high IQ scores, characterize high performers.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Any questions so far?