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Old Paths and New Directions: Studying Emotions in the Workplace
Author(s) -
Meanwell Emily,
Wolfe Joseph D.,
Hallett Tim
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
sociology compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 31
ISSN - 1751-9020
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-9020.2007.00077.x
Subject(s) - emotional labor , sociology , identity (music) , affect (linguistics) , power (physics) , industrial sociology , work (physics) , social psychology , organizational behavior , emotion work , organization studies , psychology , epistemology , aesthetics , mechanical engineering , philosophy , physics , communication , quantum mechanics , engineering
The study of emotions in the workplace is a vibrant area of research that has grown considerably over the last 25 years. This research has traveled far, but it has not run its course. This article maps the different paths that have been explored, beginning with Hochschild's classic work on emotional labor in the form of surface and deep acting, and charts new directions for future research. We start by reviewing the literature on emotional labor and emotion management in the workplace. Next, we discuss new theoretical developments in the sociology of emotions – interaction ritual chain theory, theories of identity and affect control, and theories about power, status, and exchange – and their potential utility for understanding emotions at work. Finally, we discuss new methodological directions that can be pursued in future research on emotions in work and organizational settings.