A1 Journal article (refereed)
Rationality, experiences or identity work? : Sensemaking of emotionally tense experiences of organizational sustainability (2022)


Sarna, B., Onkila, T., & Mäkelä, M. (2022). Rationality, experiences or identity work? : Sensemaking of emotionally tense experiences of organizational sustainability. Social Responsibility Journal, 18(8), 1692-1707. https://doi.org/10.1108/srj-05-2021-0205

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Sarna, Bhavesh; Onkila, Tiina; Mäkelä, Marileena

Journal or series: Social Responsibility Journal

ISSN: 1747-1117

eISSN: 1758-857X

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 01/11/2021

Volume: 18

Issue number: 8

Pages range: 1692-1707

Publisher: Emerald

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/srj-05-2021-0205

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/84495


Abstract

Purpose
Although emotional tensions related to organizational sustainability have been identified, little is known about how employees aim to resolve such situations. This study aims to explore how employees use sensemaking to resolve emotionally tense situations concerning organizational sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors studied a case in which, while employees attached positive emotions to organizational sustainability, external stakeholders viewed it negatively. Specifically, the study analyzed how employees used sensemaking to resolve such tense experiences and how this sensemaking eventually influenced their actions. To this end, the authors interviewed 25 employees at an energy company who had experience participating in its sustainability work.

Findings
The analysis revealed three sensemaking mechanisms for resolving emotional tensions related to organizational sustainability caused by discrepancies between external reputation and internal personal experience: rational sensemaking, experiential sensemaking and identity work. The complexity of sensemaking was reflected in the mixed-use of these three mechanisms, as employees constantly moved from one to another.

Originality/value
This study demonstrates employees’ tendency to defend their positive emotions about their organization’s sustainability in tense situations. It further provides insights into related sensemaking processes and shows how they can result in different levels of action.


Keywords: corporate responsibility; sustainable development; employees; emotions; meaningfulness

Free keywords: employees; tensions; emotions; organizational sustainability; sensemaking


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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 21:34