The ripple effect felt when an individual triggers emotion in others, is also known as group emotional contagion which involves the transfer of emotions and moods among individuals within a group (Barsade, 2002). Schoenewolf defines it as “a process in which a person or group influences the emotions or behaviour of another person or group through the conscious or unconscious induction of emotion states and behavioural attitudes” (as cited in Barsade, 2002, p. 644).
When individuals enter into a group, they are not only exposed to the other members' emotions (positive or negative) but also to the energy level with which the emotion was expressed(Barsade, 2002). This is a form of social influence that occurs on both the conscious and unconscious levels. As such the expression of emotions within the group is perceived by others through nonverbal (facial expression and body language) and verbal (tone, volume and pace of words being spoken) cues, rather than through the words themselves (Barsade, 2002). There is also a feedback loop involved with this process, as the individual who observed the group emotion automatically, and unconsciously, mimics the others’ facial expressions, body language, speech patterns and vocal tones (Barsade, 2002). There is also evidence that individuals will compare their own moods and emotions to others’ in their group and then will respond according to what appears appropriate for that particular situation (Barsade, 2002). This is often utilized as a way for the individuals to understand how they should be feeling.
Collective emotions (positive and negative) can have a powerful impact on the group’s processes, outcomes and group members' interactions.
Positive emotions
When individuals enter into a group, they are not only exposed to the other members' emotions (positive or negative) but also to the energy level with which the emotion was expressed(Barsade, 2002). This is a form of social influence that occurs on both the conscious and unconscious levels. As such the expression of emotions within the group is perceived by others through nonverbal (facial expression and body language) and verbal (tone, volume and pace of words being spoken) cues, rather than through the words themselves (Barsade, 2002). There is also a feedback loop involved with this process, as the individual who observed the group emotion automatically, and unconsciously, mimics the others’ facial expressions, body language, speech patterns and vocal tones (Barsade, 2002). There is also evidence that individuals will compare their own moods and emotions to others’ in their group and then will respond according to what appears appropriate for that particular situation (Barsade, 2002). This is often utilized as a way for the individuals to understand how they should be feeling.
Collective emotions (positive and negative) can have a powerful impact on the group’s processes, outcomes and group members' interactions.
Positive emotions
- Positive emotions amongst group members has been shown to increase cooperation, decrease conflict, improve communication, increase creativity, encourage the building on each others’ ideas and the ability to move forward (Rhee, 2007). This helps to build a supportive environment in which members will assist each other through transition and change.
- The creation of a positive group culture or group cohesion is a bit of a mixed blessing, as the quality of their relationships may help reduce negative reactions to the proposed change, it may also create group think which can damage their ability to make group decisions as it pressures for group consensus (Langton & Robbins, 2007; Rhee, 2007; Welch & McCarville, 2003).
Negative emotions
- A negative or threatening change can create negative emotions, such as fear or anxiety, which tend to limit an individual’s ability to think and respond. When a group experiences a negative emotion it can narrow members’ scope of attention, reduce communication, hamper individual creativity, and influence less supportive member interactions (Rhee, 2007).
- On the other hand, individuals who experience negative emotions engage in planning, critical and analytical thinking, and cautious problem solving, and therefore at the group level the quality of group decisions improves (Rhee, 2007).
- Certain group emotions, such as anxiety, can create temporary group norms as the members engage in group processes (Rhee, 2007). These norms will result from the members’ interactions and can define acceptable group behaviour in response to transition or change (Muchinsky, 2003; Rhee, 2007).
