Abstract:

In contemporary organisational life, human actors navigate complex demands that extend beyond cognitive capacities, encompassing emotional and embodied experiences that remain largely implicit in foundational management theory. This paper draws on four classical management texts by Argyris, Simon, Mintzberg, and Weick to trace how the body and emotions are referenced, experienced, or neglected, revealing latent thresholds which we term embodied emotional limits (comprising cognitive–relational, experiential–managerial, and sensemaking–affective limits). These limits mark points at which cognitive, relational, experiential, and affective capacities intersect with structural and managerial demands. We further conceptualise the role of emotional labour in managing these limits. By framing these thresholds as structural realities that can be managed rather than personal deficiencies, this work contributes to organisational psychology and HRM while opening avenues for research on sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-friendly workplaces. Thus, the paper proposes a framework for sustainable and inclusive organising that foregrounds the lived experience of work.

Please choose your submission type: Developmental Paper

Primary Track: Organisational Psychology

Keywords: Employee Health, Safety and Well Being at Work    ;Positive Organisational Psychology    ;Individual differences in organisations    ;Critical perspectives in organisational psychology   

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Dr. Rebecca Dickason