How does the everyday nature of most of our work lives blind us to processes of emotion?

Case Study 2 – Inexplicable Events

CASE ANALYSIS QUESTIONS

1. In what ways do the special cases of organizational life discussed in this case bring processes of rationality and emotion into sharp relief? Is emotion more “present” in these cases? Are different kinds of emotion brought to the forefront? How does the everyday nature of most of our work lives blind us to processes of emotion?

2. How are the specific processes of emotion dis-cussed in this chapter—emotional labor, emotional work, and compassion, stress, and burnout— illustrated in these examples of the inexplicable? Are particular processes of emotion in the work-place especially apparent in the midst of the inexplicable, in the aftermath of the inexplicable, or in living in the new normal?

3. How could organizations and employees in those
organizations be better prepared to cope with the emotion of these inexplicable events? And could those lessons be translated into practices that lead to more healthy and happy organizational life during the more mundane days, as well?