Responding to Disappointment and Betrayal at Work

Abstract

Researchers and educators have studied and taught on the employer and employee relationship, but usually from the perspective of the employer, and less on how employees are affected psychologically by leadership and management. This paper examines the employee’s expectations of their employment relationship, consequences of missed or violated expectations, and how disappointments may be perceived as betrayal. This can lead to holding a grudge, an offense, or unforgiveness against an employer, manager, or co-worker. Unforgiveness fosters sin and opens the door to bitterness and resentment. Christians are commanded to forgive, but often proves to be difficult when one has been betrayed. As part of the Holy Spirit Symposium collection of papers, addressing the Holy Spirit, healing, and psychology, this paper will examine how relational disappointments and unmet expectations occur, how they may be perceived as betrayal, and how to heal and forgive in the power of the Holy Spirit.