Ropes & Recipes: The Role of Socialization and Structuration on Expressions of Gratitude

• In Event: Organizational Communication Research Escalator - Extended Session

Abstract

The expression of gratitude within an organization can have profound prosocial impact. Gratitude is defined as “the positive recognition of benefits received” (Emmons, 2003, p. 85). For the individual, reflecting on grateful thoughts has been found to increase feelings of psychological well-being (Emmons & McCollugh, 2003). Within an organization, the expression of gratitude can alleviate negative emotions in the work place (Emmons, 2003), increase persistence (Grant, Campbell, Chen, Cottone, Lapedis, & Lee, 2007), encourage prosocial behavior (Grant & Gino, 2010), and reinforce moral behavior (McCullough, Emmons, Kilpatrick, & Larson, 2001). In combination, thinking about and expressing gratitude has the potential to cause “a cascade of beneficial social outcomes as it reflects, motivates, and reinforces moral social actions in both the giver and the recipient” (Emmons, 2003, p. 89). Thus, expressions of gratitude are an important research topic. The purpose of this paper is to theorize about organizational concepts and expressions of gratitude as a means to produce propositions.

Author

• Zach Massey, University of Oklahoma