Understanding envy through narrative fiction
Patient, David Lawrence, Thomas Maitlis, Sally
Patient, David
Lawrence, Thomas
Maitlis, Sally
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Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2003
Journal
Organization Studies
Book
Publication Volume
24
Publication Issue
7
Publication Begin page
1015
Publication End page
1044
Publication NUmber of pages
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Abstract
In this article, we explore the social construction of workplace envy through an analysis of its portrayal in a fictional narrative. Based on our examination of three excerpts from Richard Russo's novel Straight Man, we argue that envy is socially constructed in prominent and revealing episodes within broader organizational narratives. We further show that envy both serves as a catalytic emotion that engenders action and sensemaking, and at the same time, acts as a mechanism that reproduces the moral and cultural order within which it occurs.
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Journal Issue
Keywords
Emotion, Envy, Fiction, Narrative, Social Construction