Affective influences on judgments and behavior in organizations: An information processing perspective

This article reviews and integrates recent research in experimental social psychology and organizational behavior demonstrating the pervasive influenc e that affective states or moods have on judgments, decision making, and be havior in organizations. An information processing theory, the Affect Infus ion Model (AIM) is described that can account for many of the empirical fin dings and also provides a promising theoretical base for future research in this area. The article reviews a range of experimental and applied studies consistent with the predictions of this model, demonstrating the role of i nformation processing strategies in moderating affective influences on orga nizational behavior. Specifically, we discuss the influence of affect on su ch work-related behaviors as worker motivation, creativity and performance, interpersonal judgments and communication, performance appraisal judgments and selection interviews, organizational spontaneity, employee flexibility and helpfulness, absenteeism, and bargaining and negotiation behaviors. Th e implications of the information processing approach for understanding the influence of affect on organizational behaviors are discussed, and we argu e for the greater integration of affect into contemporary theorizing and re search in organizational settings. (C) 2001 Academic Press.