Authors: Liu, Yongmei; Liu, Jun; Wu, Longzeng

Source: Career Development International, Volume 17, Number 6, 2012 , pp. 518-536(19)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract:

<B>Purpose</B> - The purpose of this study is to explore an under-researched, emotion-focused influence tactic, strategic emotional display, and its interpersonal and career outcomes. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - The authors collected data from 258 matched supervisor-subordinate dyads in a Chinese sample. <B>Findings</B> - The results indicate that individuals who use positive emotions in social influence tend to enhance their access to network resources and career growth potential, and those who use negative emotions in social influence tend to erode their network resources and hinder career growth potential. <B>Research limitations/implications</B> - A major limitation of the research is that the authors collected data on both strategic emotional display and network resources from the same source at the same time. Supporting prior research, the results indicate that individuals do use emotional expression as a social influence tactic at work, and that different emotion-focused influence tactics are associated with different outcomes. The study makes evident the need to integrate the emotion and the social influence literature. <B>Practical implications</B> - The results of the study indicate that employees may need to develop greater awareness of their own emotions, and cultivate the ability to convey emotional cues to others effectively. It also appears that individuals need to be selective in their use of emotion-focused influence tactics. <B>Originality/value</B> - The paper integrates social influence and emotion research, and focuses on a ubiquitous yet overlooked influence tactic, strategic emotional display, and shows evidence that it is associated with interpersonal and career outcomes.

Keywords: - Strategic emotional display; Career development and growth; Careers; Emotion regulation; Influence; Social influence

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13620431211280114

Publication date: 2012-10-19

More about this publication?

• Incorporating International Journal of Career Management & Executive Development

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