Chapter 1: Emotions and the Organizational Fabric

In their seminal article, Ashforth and Humphrey (1995, p. 98) pointed out that, “From moments of frustration or joy, grief or fear, to an enduring sense of dissatisfaction or commitment, the experience of work is saturated with feeling” (emphasis added). More recently, Ashkanasy (2003a) described how emotions infuse every level of organizational functioning, linked via a common origin in the psychobiological nature of human beings (Ashkanasy, 2003b). In his model, Ashkanasy outlines how emotions play a role at five levels: (1) in the moment-by-moment and day-to-day experiences of organizational members; (2) are influenced by emotional dimensions of individual differences; (3) influence interpersonal interactions and communication; (4) affect group processes including leadership; and (5) ultimately permeate organizational culture and climate. As such, it is arguable that emotions are a part of the very fabric of organizing (James, 1999).