We integrate the component process model of emotion (Scherer, 2009) with the theory of basic human values (Schwartz et al., 2012) to investigate individual differences in emotional responses of third-party observers to workplace situations of supervisor reprimand.
Using an experimental video vignette method to simulate a workplace interaction, we examined whether observers experienced other-condemning emotions (contempt, anger and disgust) toward a supervisor who publicly reprimanded (versus praised) an employee for their performance. Additionally, we examined whether respondents' values of self-transcendence and conservation influenced the intensity of these emotional responses. Data were collected from 294 full-time working adults in the United States.
Respondents who highly prioritized self-transcendence felt more contempt, anger and disgust for a supervisor observed reprimanding (versus praising) an employee, compared to those who did not prioritize this value. Respondents who highly prioritized conservation also felt more anger for a supervisor who reprimanded (versus praised) an employee, relative to those who did not prioritize conservation.
We address recent calls to understand the intersection of values and emotions (Sagiv and Schwartz, 2022) with our study. Its findings shed light on the role of personal values in how employees emotionally respond to observed workplace interactions. Our use of a video vignette experimental method provides a rich, realistic and immersive life-like medium that engaged respondents more fully than the use of written vignettes.
