Emotional Experiences in the Workplace: Biological Sex, Supervisor Nonverbal Behaviors, and Subordinate Susceptibility to Emotional Contagion

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the relationship among different types of supervisor nonverbal behaviors, subordinate susceptibility to emotional contagion, and subordinate emotional experience. It also examined the possible interaction effects of nonverbal behaviors, emotional contagion, and both supervisor and subordinate biological sex. N = 669 full-time employees participated in an online survey. Results suggest that supervisor eye contact, body posture and facial expression are associated with higher emotional support, whereas body and face would reduce subordinates’ engagement in emotion work. The interaction tests show that female supervisors’ use of gesture has a stronger effect on subordinate perception of emotional support and emotion work than male supervisors. Findings are discussed as related to theoretical and practical contributions, as well as suggestions for future research on nonverbal communication and workplace emotions.