Organizational Behavior – Session 12 Dr. S. B. Alavi, 2009. Emotions Organizational Behavior – Session 12 Dr. S. B. Alavi, 2009.

Table of Contents What are affective states? Basic Emotions Facial Expressions Convey Emotions Felt versus displayed emotions Why study emotions in organizations? Emotions and Rational Models Emotions and Leadership Emotional Intelligence

What are affective states is a generic term that covers a broad range of feelings that people experience. Emotions intense feelings that are directed at someone or something (anger, fear, sadness, happiness, disgust, surprise) Moods are feeling that tend to be less intense than emotions and which lack a contextual stimulus.

Basic Emotions Anger Happiness Fear Surprise Sadness Disgust

Facial Expressions Convey Emotions Try to identify each picture, portraying a difference emotion. Top, left to right: neutral, surprise, happiness. Bottom: fear, sadness, anger

Facial Expressions Convey Emotions

Felt versus displayed emotions Felt emotions are an individual actual emotions. However, displayed emotions are those that are organizationally required and considered appropriate in a given job. Displayed emotions are not innate; they are learned.

Emotions and Rational Models Research has shown that people’s emotions and moods affect their data acquisition and processing. Negative emotions result in a limited search for alternatives. However, positive emotions can facilitate integration of information. Positive mood enhances creativity, cooperation and being helpful, remembering positive information, and appreciation of others’ contributions.

Emotions and Rational Models Emotions are important components of decision making processes and cannot completely be withdrawn from this process. Leaders are required to handle both rational and affective aspects of work problems.

Emotions and Leadership Effective leaders are able to express positive feelings to help convey their messages. Research has shown that expression of emotions is the critical components of leaders’ speeches that influence accepting or rejecting a leader’s message. When leaders feel excited, enthusiastic, and active, they may be more able to energize their subordinates and convey a sense of efficacy, competence, optimism, and enjoyment.

Emotional Intelligence According to Mayer and Salovey (1997): “emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth” (p.5).

Dimensions of emotional intelligence Suggested by “Daniel Goleman”: Self-awareness: being aware of what you are feeling; Self-management: the ability to manage one’s own emotions and impulses; Self-motivation: the ability to persist in the face of setbacks and failures; Empathy: the ability to sense how others are feeling; Social skills: the ability to handle the emotions of others.

Emotional Intelligence