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Chapter 1 Affective events theory: a strategic perspective

Emotions, Ethics and Decision-Making

ISBN: 978-1-84663-940-1, eISBN: 978-1-84663-941-8

Publication date: 25 July 2008

Abstract

Although there has been increasing interest in the role of affect in work settings, the impact of moods and emotions in strategic decision making remains largely unexplored. In this essay, we address this shortcoming by proposing a conceptual model of strategic decision making that incorporates, at its core, the impact of affective states on cognitive processes that are integral to the decision outcome. The model is based on the principles of Affective Events Theory, which holds that environmental exigencies generate “affective events” that cause emotional reactions in organizational members which, in turn, determine members’ attitudes and behaviors. We extend this model to include the effect of the extra-organizational environment, and propose that emotions “infuse” those cognitive processes that are critical to the strategic decision making process. We conclude that strategic decision making in organizations is not always a controlled, deliberate, purely cognitive process, as it is often described. Rather, we contend that the moods and emotions that managers experience in response to positive and negative workplace events have a significant affect on strategic decision-making processes and ultimately, organizational-level outcomes. We discuss the implications of our model for theory, research, and practice.

Citation

Ashton-James, C.E. and Ashkanasy, N.M. (2008), "Chapter 1 Affective events theory: a strategic perspective", Zerbe, W.J., Härtel, C.E.J. and Ashkanasy, N.M. (Ed.) Emotions, Ethics and Decision-Making (Research on Emotion in Organizations, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1746-9791(08)04001-7

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited