JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES Reframing Silence as Purposeful: Emotions in Extreme Contexts

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JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES Reframing Silence as Purposeful: Emotions in Extreme Contexts

ABSTRACT Individuals bear the weight of emotional distress when exposed to brutality and suffering in warzones. Yet, immersed in scenes of intense human tragedy, they must publicly mask their emotional turmoil. How then may such individuals cope with the emotional distress they suffer but mute? Through the analysis of fifty-three unsolicited, personal diaries, non-participant observations in conflict zones, and interviews with Médecins Sans Frontières personnel, we study medical professionals who work in extreme contexts. Employing Goffman's notions of frontstage and backstage behaviour, we reveal silence as an emotional defence mechanism. We argue that this silence is a result of individuals' deliberate choice rather than being muted by external forces. This choice enables individuals to maintain focus and perform critical, often life-saving duties under extreme pressure. We find that silence does not imply an absence of emotion nor diminish emotional distress. Instead, silence functions as a protective measure against potential emotional breakdowns. We illustrate how journaling serves as a private refuge for self-expression, enabling individuals to navigate their emotions and experiences away from scrutiny by others. We contribute to understanding emotional regulation in extreme contexts, and redefine silence as an essential aspect of coping and resilience.

INTRODUCTION

Extreme contexts are characterized by violence, natural disasters, and wars. Studies have begun to illuminate the complex emotional landscapes navigated by workers on the frontline.

de Rond and Lok, twenty sixteen; Fraher et al., twenty seventeen. The medical and military professions, traditionally characterized by a stoic demeanour during crises, underscore the necessity of managing emotions under pressure. Yet, the apparent lack of emotional expression does not equate to an absence of emotional distress. This is highlighted by the rising mental health concerns among military personnel, evidenced by increased suicide rates and reported mental health issues among returning soldiers.

Despite the growing interest in emotions within management studies, the strategies individuals employ to handle emotional distress in extreme environments remain underexplored. Emotions may not be 'worn on the sleeve' and emotional regulation often occurs behind a veil of professionalism as individuals adapt to the context and 'display emotions appropriately'. Difficult emotions may thus not be apparent in observable behaviours, especially in extreme contexts.

Our qualitative study delves into the experiences of medical professionals working with Médecins Sans Frontières in war zones, utilizing personal diaries, interviews, and observational data. We uncover a pervasive culture of silence: individuals tend to remain overtly silent based on an unwritten rule to maintain 'emotional control' and remain 'cool-headed and self-controlled'. Emotional control is maintained not just at work (frontstage) but also privately among colleagues (backstage), despite organizational encouragement for emotional expression. Individuals cope with these feelings by expressing their innermost emotions in private diary entries that offer a personal sanctuary for unfiltered self-reflection away from the judgments and scrutiny of others.

This paper contributes to the literature in two ways. First, we expand on the understanding of emotion regulation in extreme contexts by illustrating how individuals navigate the complex task of managing intense emotions, not only in professional settings but also in private. The need for workers to regulate their emotions at work is well established. They engage in creative activities or compartmentalize - focus intensely on the present. We extend this work by showing how some individuals cope with difficult emotions when they mask their emotions in public. In line with studies that have shown how individuals cope in stressful environments by creating a private safe space for self-preservation, we show how diaries provide a safe, non-judgmental outlet for individuals to express their innermost thoughts and feelings to regain a sense of agency.

Secondly, we reframe the role of silence, not as a result of imposed censorship or emotional numbness, but as a voluntary emotional defence mechanism. Silence has often been cast in a negative light as a form of induced self-censorship or 'being silenced' for fear of retribution or professional pressure to pay 'emotional dues' to a situation, or being emotionally numbed by shock or trauma. Our perspective aligns with views of silence as a form of agency, serving as a protective barrier against overwhelming emotions which could impair professional function in high-stakes environments. Our findings challenge the negative connotations often associated with silence, offering a nuanced understanding of its role as a strategic response to the emotional demands of working in extreme contexts.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

RESEARCH CONTEXT

Case Selection and Research Site: MSF

Data Sources

Data Analysis

Purposeful Silencing in Extreme Contexts

Emotions on the Frontstage

Silencing Emotions Backstage

Creation of a Private, Safe Space

DISCUSSION

Contribution to the Literature on Emotions in Extreme Contexts

Contribution to the Literature on Silence in Extreme Contexts

LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH AVENUES

Overview

The document investigates the emotional experiences of medical professionals working in extreme contexts, highlighting silence as a choice that enables them to focus on their critical duties while navigating emotional turmoil. It contributes to understanding emotional regulation strategies in high-pressure environments.

Key Points

1Medical professionals in extreme contexts often suppress emotional expression to maintain focus
2Silence is utilized as a protective mechanism rather than a sign of emotional absence
3Personal diaries serve as a private outlet for self-expression amidst professional constraints
4The study challenges the negative perceptions of silence, recognizing it as a strategic coping method
5Emotional regulation is crucial for functioning effectively in high-stress situations.

Details

Authors: Madeleine Rauch, Shahzad Shaz Ansari
Category: Psychology

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