Organizational culture, organizational change and emotions: a qualitative study

Date
2009
Authors
Smollan, R. K.
Sayers, J. G.
Supervisor
Item type
Journal Article
Degree name
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Informaworld
Abstract

Change triggers emotions as employees experience the processes and outcomes of organizational transformation. An organization's affective culture, which shapes the way emotions are experienced and expressed, plays a particularly important part during changes to the culture and other aspects of organizational life. This article contributes to the literature by illustrating the relationships between culture, change and emotions and presents the results of a qualitative study. The study found that when participants' values were congruent with those of the organization, they tended to react to change more positively. Cultural change provoked emotional reactions, often of an intense nature. When emotions were acknowledged and treated with respect, people became more engaged with the change. Attitudes to existing culture also produced emotional responses to aspects of change.

Description
Keywords
Organizational culture , Organizational change , Emotions , Qualitative research
Source
Publisher's version
Rights statement
This is an electronic version of an article available online at: http://www.informaworld.com. See above for full citation and link to the publisher's version.