Crying Is in the Eyes of the Beholder: An Attribution Theory Framework of Crying at Work

Abstract

This article contributes to research on emotion expression, attributions, and discrete work emotions by developing an observerfocused model to explain the outcomes of crying at work. Our model is focused on crying as a form of emotion expression because crying may be driven by different felt emotions or be used as a means of manipulation. In addition, the model focuses on observers, who must form perceptions of the emotion expression in order to determine an appropriate response. This model is particularly valuable because it addresses the reality that an observer will develop an impression of another person's emotion and intention, and that this impression may not always align with the reality of the emotion being experienced by the expresser.

The Mediating Effect of Leaders’ Idealised Influence on the Relationship Between Leaders’ Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance Among Academics in Malaysian Public Research Universities

“…In addition, attribution theory can infer emotions in others (Becker et al, 2018;Sherry, 2018). Thus, the attribution process begins with observing academic leaders' emotional intelligence abilities…”

“…Taking the subordinates' recognition towards academic leaders' emotional intelligence, for instance, this research epitomised in emotional responses of the leaders towards the subordinates might be reasonably like the evaluation perspectives of subordinates and social intentions of tolerating or dismissing their leaders' emotional abilities. In this manner, this study adapted attribution theory as it embraces and displays that emotions and affective do mediate attributions and practices (Becker et al, 2018). Incidentally, in 1970s attribution theory was applied in leadership model (Mitchell et al, 1977;Pfeffer, 1977).…”

“…Overall, any such attributes, whether positive or negative, will have an effect on the ability or inability of academic leaders to perceive their subordinates' emotions. The theory of attribution is suited to inferring the emotions observed in others (Becker et al, 2018) when the attributes found during observation are more inter-relational than interpersonal (Weiner, 2000). The immaculate performance of subordinates evolved around leadership's ability to develop relationships and supports (Ibrahim & Ahamat, 2019;Rumaropen et al, 2019).…”

The Mediating Effect of Leaders’ Idealized Influence on the Relationship between Leaders’ Emotional Intelligence and Intention to Perform among Academics in Malaysian Research Universities: Gender as a Moderator

“…The theory of attribution is more suited in inferring the emotions observed in others (Becker, Conroy, Djurdjevic, & Gross, 2018), in which the attributes made during the observation are more inter-relational rather than interpersonal (Weiner, 2000). Primarily, subordinates perceive leaders act as naive and the ability to apply their own understanding of emotions, cognitions, and actions (Hareli, 2014;Rudolph & Tscharaktschiew, 2014).…”

Mediating Effect of Idealized Influence Between Relationship Emotional Intelligence and Intention to Perform: Conceptual Study

“…In other words, TPB does not inevitably accept phenomenon in a planned way because people often do things in an unplanned manner too (Hossain, Dwivedi, Chan, Standing, & Olanrewaju, 2018;Piç arra & Giger, 2018;Park, Keil, Bock, & Kim, 2015). Therefore, this study has adapted attribution theory as it undertakes and exhibits that emotions and affective do intercede attributions and behaviors (Becker, Conroy, Djurdjevic, & Gross, 2018;Harvey, Martinko, & Borkowski, 2007). In addition, attribution theory can explain the formation of emotional reactions that influence attitudes, as well as antecedents of attitudes (Folkes, 1988;Glaser & Salovey, 1998;Weiner, 1985;Ajzen & Fishbein, 2005).…”