Emotion and Proactivity at Work: Prospects and Dialogues

Emotion can drive employees' proactivity in the workplace, which can shape their emotional experiences.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 348 pages
\n Publication date: 16 April 2021
\n Publisher: Bristol University Press
\n

Individuals' behaviors at work are influenced by a combination of cold, or cognitive-motivational, processes and hot, or affect-motivational, processes. While employee proactivity research has primarily focused on the "cold side," there is growing interest in exploring how emotion can energize employees and promote proactivity, particularly in interdependent and uncertain work environments. In this groundbreaking work, esteemed scholars offer fresh perspectives by examining the mechanisms through which emotion can drive employees' proactivity and how, in turn, that proactivity can shape their emotional experiences.

Emotion plays a significant role in shaping individuals' behaviors at work. It can influence cognitive processes, such as decision-making and problem-solving, as well as affective processes, such as motivation and engagement. Emotion can motivate employees to take action, seek out new opportunities, and overcome challenges. It can also enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills.

In interdependent and uncertain work environments, emotion can be particularly important for promoting proactivity. When employees feel a sense of responsibility for their team's success or are uncertain about the future, they may be more motivated to take proactive steps to ensure that they are contributing to the organization's goals. Emotion can also help employees cope with stress and anxiety, which can be prevalent in these types of work environments.

One way that emotion can drive employees' proactivity is through the activation of motivation. Emotion can evoke strong feelings of motivation, such as excitement, enthusiasm, or fear, which can drive individuals to take action. For example, when employees are excited about a new project or task, they may be more motivated to work hard and put in extra effort to achieve success.

Emotion can also influence employees' cognitive processes. For example, when employees are feeling anxious or stressed, they may become more focused on their own thoughts and feelings, which can impair their ability to think critically and make effective decisions. However, when employees are able to manage their emotions effectively, they can use them to enhance their cognitive abilities and improve their decision-making skills.

In addition to driving employees' proactivity, emotion can also shape their emotional experiences at work. When employees experience positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction, they may feel more engaged and motivated to work. On the other hand, negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, can lead to decreased motivation and job satisfaction.

To promote employees' proactivity and emotional well-being in interdependent and uncertain work environments, it is important for organizations to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. This includes providing employees with opportunities for growth and development, promoting open communication and collaboration, and creating a sense of purpose and meaning in their work.

Organizations can also use emotional intelligence to promote employees' proactivity and emotional well-being. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions as well as the emotions of others. By developing emotional intelligence, employees can better manage their emotions in the workplace, which can lead to increased proactivity and job satisfaction.

In conclusion, individuals' behaviors at work are shaped by a combination of cold, or cognitive-motivational, processes and hot, or affect-motivational, processes. Emotion plays a significant role in shaping individuals' behaviors at work, particularly in interdependent and uncertain work environments. By understanding how emotion can drive employees' proactivity and shape their emotional experiences, organizations can create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that promotes employees' well-being and productivity.

\n Weight: 688g\n
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781529208306\n \n