L 5 Emotions

Emotions & Attitudes

3rd jan 2009

Background :Emotions 

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Emotions are physiological ,behavioral and psychological episode experienced towards an object or a person or event that creates a state of readiness . Fear , anger , love , care , hate , surprise , etc One can observe them in body (BP , heart rate ) , movement language , tone , eyes etc.One is not aware. Mood is more of internal experience as a result of experiencing a emotion .

Emotions     

Emotions trigger our thoughts , generate motivation or de-motivation at workplace. Emotions influence our thought and behavior . To understand emotions , we must know attitudes first Both feed each other . Attitudes gives rise to emotions , emotions lead to attitudes Eg merger announcement may lead to sudden emotion response of insecurity , it may trigger your attitude of negativity towards the other company officials .

Cognitive dissonance theory of Leaon Festinger 

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Emotions and attitudes lead to some predictable behavior but some time opposite occurs . Suppose you decided to take posting in another country that it would only lead to growth /promotion. Later on you come to know many of those in senior positions did not spend any time in foreign posting . This inconsistency in your belief and actual situation leads to cognitive dissonance . Suppose you think smoking is wrong but you get job in company manufacturing cigarettes . Such dissonance leads you to either rationalize the decision or quit . One can say “So what I am working in HR department to train and develop people , I am not in marketing which promotes sale of Cigarettes

Factors which decide what action to take  

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Importance of the elements : Degree of Influence individual has over the event /situation Rewards involved.

Case involving implementing bosses directive which a person feels is wrong . The tension depends upon how much the person gives importance to it .