The Impact of Emotions on Stakeholder Reactions to Organizational Wrongdoing

摘要

In this study, we develop a theoretical model that captures the influence of emotions on a stakeholder's decision to act against an organization after organizational wrongdoing. Relying on cognitive appraisal theory, we focus on the role of emotions during two central phases in the stakeholder response process: appraisal and intention. First, we argue that based on their appraisal of the wrongdoing, stakeholders will experience certain primary emotions (e.g. disappointment, anger) which will impact their first response towards the organization. Second, we propose that certain secondary emotions (e.g. hope, remorse) will influence their intention to act against the organization. Finally, we argue that the stakeholder's perceived power and self-interest will influence the stakeholder's decision to act against the organization.