Minimizing the cost of emotional dissonance at work: a multi-sample analysis

Purpose – The present study is based on two samples from two occupational groups (one among medical representatives in pharmaceutical industry and other among frontline employees in hospitality industry). The study found support for the moderation effect of perceived organizational support (POS) on the emotional dissonance-emotional exhaustion as well as the emotional exhaustion-turnover intention relationships. In addition, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediation of emotional exhaustion on the emotional dissonance-turnover intention relationship. The study concludes with the contributions to the literature and to the practice. Design/methodology/approach – Following the survey research method the study collected the data from two occupational groups. Findings – The study found support for the moderation effect of POS on the emotional dissonance-emotional exhaustion as well as the emotional exhaustion-turnover intention relationships. Originality/value – The study argued the negative effects of dissonance can be minimized if the organization can take actions to ensure employees perceive the organization as supportive.