A process account of the relationship between informal learning and expressions of anger and anxiety

Purpose: This paper aims to explore how negative emotions lead to differential relationships with informal learning. Informal learning is posited to serve as a coping mechanism and positively influence performance. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides a conceptual, process-based framework to explain the relationship between informal learning and stressful emotions of anger and anxiety. Findings: The proposed framework in this paper suggests that informal learning in conjunction with emotion regulation can help neutralize negative emotions and promote improved cognitive functioning, better social functioning and higher task performance. From a practical perspective, the provided framework should help managers and organizational leaders better understand the emergence of negative emotion and how to constructively channel employee well-being from them. Originality/value: Much of the informal learning literature has investigated dispositional and situational influences, without regard to the role that discrete emotions play in influencing cognitive, behavioral and motivational learning processes. This paper addresses this gap through a theoretical framework that explains the relationship between negative emotions and informal learning.