The Role of Anticipatory Emotions and their Contagiousness in an IS Project

Abstract

The previous research has shown increasing interest in understanding anticipatory emotions and their contagion, which can happen in dyads or groups as well as in other settings in organizations. The role of anticipatory emotions and their behavioral effects remain unexplored in IS projects. To address the research gap, we conducted a qualitative and longitudinal case study in order to understand what arethe role and consequences of the anticipatory emotions in IS project work, and how their contagiousness emerges over time. Adopting a model of group emotional contagion as a theoretical lens provided us with an opportunity to explain the relationship between anticipatory emotions and emotional contagion, and how they influence individual-and group-level outcomes. In terms of a theoretical contribution, we provide an answer to the call for an understanding of anticipatory emotions and emotional contagion, their influence on group dynamics, and the processes and outcomes of collective emotions.